Elizabeth Dorsey-McGee

THE ESSENCE OF ELIZABETH’S LIFE

Elizabeth Dorsey-McGee (Session) was born in Andrews, SC, on August 7, 1929, to the late David and Sallie (Green) Session. Elizabeth was the third of seven children born to this Union and later an adoption expanded the family to eight.

Elizabeth was raised in Andrews, SC where she attended Warsaw Colored School. She along with her parents and siblings worked on Sharecropper Farm. Elizabeth was first married to the late Ollie Epps Dorsey. They relocated to Pittsburgh, PA in 1948, with the help of Henry Smith and Family. To this union four children were born. Elizabeth became a widow in 1953 and as a single mother, she worked hard to provide for her children. In 1961, Elizabeth relocated her children to Rochester, NY, where she resided for the remainder of her life. A sassy leader, many of her siblings followed her from Andrews, to Pittsburgh, to Rochester.

Elizabeth was courageous and bold in her role as a mother. She dedicated her life to loving and caring for her children, which that love later expanded to her grand, great-grand, and many other children in her sphere throughout the years. She lived through many historical moments in her ninety-six years, including segregation, protests, wars, The Great Depression, recessions, inflation, a black president, COVID, and so much more. As a black woman, there were many “no’s” she received during her life. The most impactful no, was when she attempted to purchase her first home for her children and as a woman, she was denied a loan, which had to be placed in her oldest son’s name for a few years until the requirements changed. Perseverance was part of Elizabeth’s DNA.

In 1982, Elizabeth married Charles McGee and embraced the eight children he had from his first union. Family expansion was to Elizabeth a gift and she loved all her children with her big heart.

Elizabeth was employed by Staub, Speedy, and Silver cleaners from 1961 to 1972 until she excitedly joined Highland Hospital right after the New Year in 1972. Elizabeth was a dedicated and compassionate member serving in the Nursery until she retired in 1991. She was passionate about being ahead of time for work and would often share with her family the necessity to be to work an hour early, waiting to start and not anyone waiting for you! As if her primary employment weren’t enough, she opened up a daycare in her home serving many children in need of a loving, safe environment while their parents worked, often evenings and weekends to support shift workers.

Elizabeth in her early years enjoyed travel with her family and often siblings and their spouses. She traveled mostly by car and when necessary, plane under duress with squinted eyes. Most of her travel was to attend the Session Family reunions, of which she was a proud matriarch working tirelessly to bring the family together and keep the family together.

Elizabeth was “Mrs. Hospitality”! Her home was where the family cookouts, games, dancing, basement parties, and other family gatherings often happened. Of course, cooking was at the forefront. Many would come expecting that pot of collard greens, mac and cheese, homemade cornbread, and whatever the specialty meat of the moment hit her taste buds. Elizabeth made everyone feel like family. A no judgement zone was what brought people regularly to this comfortable, safe place.

Elizabeth was known for “coordinating”! What you wore underneath was just as important as what the people would see outwardly. She was intentional about “ironing” clothes and if she saw a wrinkle, she might just tell you to “take it off”, so she could iron what you had on. And spots and stains didn’t stand a chance in her sight! Again, you might be asked to “take something off” so she could tackle those stains before they set in.

A true garden Queen, Elizabeth proudly dedicated hours to gardening both floral and food for her family. She was admired by many on Shelter Street for her green thumb and after seeing her beautiful gardens in her front yard, she put time and energy into helping many neighbors create beautiful landscaping for their yards. Fresh food was prepared from her massive food pasture in her backyard.

Elizabeth was raised by Christian parents, where she learned to put her faith first and allow life to align. As a young girl, her family attended Bethlehem Holiness Church in Andrews, SC. In her adult years, Elizabeth faithfully attended and served at St. Paul Believers Holiness Church, where she was a church Mother until her passing. With her love for church, gospel music was often on her tongue and you could catch her singing a tune or two. Giving was a major part of her servant life in the church and though she professed not having a lot, she gave what she could always knowing her faith and belief in The Father would always provide.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Elizabeth quietly slept away in The Father’s arms with “Afterwhile” by Donnie McClurkin softly playing in the background.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by parents: Deacon David and Missionary Sallie Session, 1st and 2nd husband: Ollie Dorsey and Charles McGee, Son: Paul L. Dorsey, sisters: Ellen Session Murry, Charlotte Session Dickerson, Lorraine Session; brother: Jake Session; adopted brother: Henry (Tootsie) Session.

Her memory will remain in the hearts of her sons: Ollie Dorsey and Ricci Dorsey; daughters: Rev. Gwendolyn Dorsey, Kathy (Ricky) Taylor; bonus daughters: Vernell (Duvall) Williams, Willa Dean Dorsey, Gwendolyn Dorren Sutton; grandchildren: Tasia Moye’, Terry (Nikki) Williams, Venus Elizabeth Washpun, Joram (Kiley) Dorsey, Syrmetrial Johnson; Curtis (Sheena) Little, Jr., Aaron (Leah) Taylor, Danuel Taylor, Brenton Taylor; bonus grandchildren: Imani Gunner, Malik Gunner, Elder Mark Moye’ (Big Baby), Minister Victor Jones, Theresa McCullough, Teressa (James) Mathews, Pamela McCullough, Tanya (Freddie) McCullough-Taylor, Michelle (Raymond) McCullough-Walker, Pastor Jerry (Cherice) McCullough; great-grandchildren: Gregory Brandon, Jr.,Terry Williams, Jr, Nile Williams, Golden Williams, Sparrow Washpun, Harper Dean Washpun, Joram Noah, Nymehiay Dorsey, Nay’ki Hernandez, Jahlil Dorsey, Shamar Dorsey, Jayden Dorsey, Ziyon Dorsey, Curtis Little, III, Catalina Little, Jaivyn Hodges, Shane Taylor, Elijah Taylor, Urjah Taylor; great-great grandchildren: Destinee’ Brandon, Ashlyn McDaniel; sisters: Mother Minnie Jackson, Carrie Eason, nephews: John Miller, David (Deborah) Miller, Wayne (Terri) Miller, Vernon (Diane) Green, Willie (Dorothy) Green, Nathan (Shirley) Green, Tyrick Eason, Kenny Sessions, Tony Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Greg Johnson, David Johnson; nieces: Charlotte Dickerson, Cynthia Sessions, Coretta Green, Carol Love, Jackie Session, Chrissy Session, Olinda (Sylvester) Deriso, Edith Linsday, Izzella Murry, Kenneth Richardson; special cousins: Martha Mack, Annabell Smith, Joanne Murray, Martha Richards, Jeffrey, Doug (LaShawn) Johnson, Herman Johnson, Desmond Johnson, Deedee Johnson; special friends: Pam Davis, Charlie Hill, Janie Thomas; and numerous family members, friends, church family, and acquaintances.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 3rd from 4-7 pm and Saturday, March 4th from 10-11 am at St. Paul Believers Holiness Church, 63 Thomas St., Rochester, 14605. Her funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 4th at 11 am also at St. Paul Believers Holiness Church followed by entombment in Riverside Cemetery, 2650 Lake Ave., Rochester, 14612.