Dorcas H. Mosee

June 6, 1934 - December 29, 2024

Dorcas Mosee Obituary

Dorcas Hoytense Smith-Mosee was born June 6, 1934, in Cairo, Georgia, to the late Henry “Doc” Smith and Mary Gibson Smith, who preceded her in death. Dorcas was one of twelve brothers and sisters.  A devoted educator, community leader, and woman of profound faith, who entered into eternal rest on December 29, 2024, leaving behind a life well lived with purpose, service, and love.

After graduating high school, in Cairo Georgia, she continued her education at Fort Valley State University, an esteemed HBCU in Fort Valley, Georgia, where she earned her degree in education.  Following graduation, Dorcas ventured north to Cleveland, Ohio, where she quickly established roots and married the late Walter P. Mosee.  From this union their late daughter, Lori Lyn Mosee was born.  Dorcas became a devoted member of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, where her faith and service flourished.  Her dedication to her spiritual home led her to serve for many years in the following roles:  president and long- standing member of the Sanctuary choir, membership chairperson for the Southern Christian Leadership Committee (SCLC-Cleveland chapter), Social Development committee member, (along with her beloved late sister and constant companion Carolyn Lavender Rosebud), Deaconess Board member, and avid participant in weekly Bible study and prayer meetings.  In addition, Dorcas actively supported voter registration champaigns, and volunteered her time providing rides to the polls during both local and national elections throughout the years.  Her church family was the cornerstone of her life, and her countless contributions touched the lives of many.

A Cleveland socialite and pillar in her community, Dorcas was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).  She also held memberships in her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Phi Beta Sorority, and the Cleveland Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Her advocacy for educating youth and dedication to empowering others were hallmarks of her remarkable journey.

For four decades, she served as a Cleveland Metropolitan School District educator, shaping young minds, and using her voice and efforts early in her career to advance desegregation within the school district. She often shared found memories about her time in the classroom and the many students who touched her life, as well as the lifelong bonds she shared with colleagues who became family.  Her service to the greater Cleveland community and her 40 plus years as an educator marked her life’s greatest passions. 

While her career and service were extraordinary, the light of Dorcas’ life was her family. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Lori Lyn Mosee, and a doting grandmother to her precious Audriana Simone Mosee-Boyd. Though Lori preceded her in death, Dorcas' love for her daughter and granddaughter was boundless and unwavering.

Dorcas touched many lives, and her legacy is one of faith, resilience, and dedication. She leaves behind her beloved granddaughter, Audriana Simone Mosee-Boyd, Sister Thelma Garrison, brother Charles Smith (Margie), many Nieces and Nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends, colleagues, and church family who will forever treasure her memory.

Deaconess Dorcas Hoytense Smith Mosee will be remembered as a woman of strength, grace, and profound faith. She has left an indelible mark on her family, church, and community, her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family

Services

Public Visitation

Friday

January 10, 2025

3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory - Main Location

2165 East 89th Street William F. Boyd Sr. Way

Cleveland, OH 44106

Ivy Beyond the Wall, AKA Sorority

Saturday

January 11, 2025

10:30 AM

Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church

1161 East 105th

Cleveland, OH 44108

Wake

Saturday

January 11, 2025

11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church

1161 East 105th

Cleveland, OH 44108

Celebration of Life

Saturday

January 11, 2025

11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church

1161 East 105th

Cleveland, OH 44108