Essie Dodd

Essie B. Dodd was born on May 22, 1939, to the late Charlie A. Tripp and Evelyn Hicks Tripp in Crawford County, Georgia, and was raised in Fort Valley, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall G. Dodd; her grandson, Kemale Alston; and four sisters: Bessie Mae Chapman, Verlene Mills, Lena Mae Scott, and Gussie Tripp Mitchell.

Essie received her formal education at H.A. Hunt High School in Fort Valley, Georgia, graduating with the Class of 1959. Several years later, she relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, along with her sister and best friend.

During her working career, Essie was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Harrisburg School District, retiring from both.

Essie was a faithful member of Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church and truly loved her church family. She served faithfully until her health no longer permitted. She was a dedicated member of the Senior Usher Ministry and the Golden Years Ministry, and she regularly attended Bible study. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, welcoming spirit, and loving, caring ways. Family and friends found comfort in her presence. She carried a calm strength and a loving heart that extended generosity across generations.

Essie had a passion for cooking, gardening, watching General Hospital, completing word search puzzles, and spending time talking on the phone or in person with family. She also enjoyed reading magazines, browsing catalogs, and placing orders while chewing her Doublemint gum. She was known for always extending a kind compliment to others.

At the age of 86, Essie transitioned into eternal life on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, with a loved one by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family and friends. She was a cherished matriarch whose presence will be deeply missed.

She leaves to celebrate and cherish her life and legacy her children: Kennedy Tripp and Jeffrey Dodd, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Demetra Dodd of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and Leslie Dodd of New Jersey. She also leaves her bonus daughters, Gail Tripp Adams (Bobby) of Fort Valley, Georgia, and Sonya Tripp Baskins (Maurice) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; bonus grandchildren D’Juan Tripp, Antwain Shaw, and Robert Shaw, all of Fort Valley, Georgia; two devoted nieces, Jacqueline Thomas and Katherine Scott of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also leaves behind her close friend Claudette Allen, extended family, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Above all, Essie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”