Essie Dodd

Essie B Dodd was born on May 22nd, 1939, to the late Charlie A Tripp and Evelyn Hicks Tripp in Crawford County, GA, and raised in Fort Valley GA, Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall G Dodd, and grandson, Kemale Alston. 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, GA. Graduating class of 1959. Several years later, she relocated to Harrisburg, PA, along with her sister and best friend.

During her working career, she was an employee of the Commonwealth of PA and the Harrisburg School District, retiring from both.

Essie was a faithful member of the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church and truly loved her Church Family. She served faithfully until such time as her health prevented. She served for many years on the Senior Usher and Golden Years ministries. Regularly attended bible studies. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, welcoming spirit, and loving and caring ways, which family and friends often found comfort in her presence. She carried a calm strength and loving heart that extended generosity across generations.

Essis had a passion for cooking, gardening, watching General Hospital, word search puzzles, and talking on the phone/person with family. Reading a magazine, browsing the catalog, and ordering while chewing her Double Mint gum. She always extended a compliment to others.

At the age of 86 years, Essie transitioned into eternal life on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at the Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, with a loved one by her side. Leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, devotion to family and friends. In addition to being the matriarch.

She leaves to celebrate and cherish her life and legacy, her children Kennedy Tripp and Jeffrey Dodd of Harrisburg, PA, Demetra Dodd of Williamsport, PA, and Leslie Dodd of New Jersey. Bonus daughters, Gail Tripp Adams (Bobby), Fort Valley, GA. Sonya Tripp Baskins (Maurice) of Harrisburg, PA. bonus grandchildren D’Juan Tripp, Antwain Shaw, and Robert Shaw, all of Fort Valley, GA. Two devoted nieces, Jacqueline Thomas and Katherine Scott, of Harrisburg, PA. 9 grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews. Close friend Claudette Allen, extended family, and dear friends, who will forever cherish her memory. Above all, Essie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister. Aunt and friend. “Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.