Eleanor M. Dotson

ELEANOR MINERVA DOTSON, daughter of Jesse Lyles and Harriet Lee Groomes, was born on March 9, 1929, in Baltimore City, Maryland Eleanor received her education in the Baltimore City Schools and attended Frederick Douglas High School. After high school Eleanor worked at the Maryland Glass Company as a packer. She then moved on to work as a cashier at the Sinclair Gas Station in Cherry Hill, Maryland for five years. It was not until she was hired by Isadore Hall in the late 40’s to work at “Bill Dotson’s” on Furnace Branch Road, did she find her niche as a business manager. During her 60 years at Dotson’s, she helped nurture and guide the business to the level of recognition and popularity for which it was known. She was instrumental in developing liaisons with many different groups/clubs to have their annual affairs at the lounge, most memorable was the “Top Dog” Bikers annual bike blessings. Eleanor was a dependable and dedicated assistance manager for four generations of owners, until a fire destroyed the building when Eleanor was in her 80’s. During the early years at Dotson’s, Eleanor was not only known as the assistant manager, but was affectionately known as the “Latch Key Mom”. The school bus stop was in front of Dotson’s Lounge, so Eleanor would meet the kids when the bus arrived and watch them walk home. Those children whose parents were at work stayed with ‘Miss Eleanor’ until their parents returned home. But don’t think for a moment this was playtime. She would take them into the lounge area (not the bar) and make everyone get out their books and do homework or study. No one escaped this routine, even her own granddaughter. Dotson’s Lounge was not her only interest through the years. She served Anne Arundel County as a Voting Machine Judge for five years, then she progressed to a Precinct Book Judge and finally rose to a Chief Judge for the 31st Precinct until she retired. In 1990 The MD United License Beverage Association recognized her with a Merit Award for numerous contributions to the development and improvement of the highest ideals in the beverage industry. Eleanor also was a longtime Maryland Notary. Eleanor loved football, she held season tickets for the “Colts” until they left in 1984. It was after their departure that she became a true Washington Redskin Fan. Eleanor was an amazing Black woman, a role model that exemplified dedication, dependability, honesty and warmth. The community loved her deeply as she was “One Special Lady”. October 2019 Eleanor moved to Walker’s Group Assisted Living, where she resided until her peaceful transition on March 2, 2024. Eleanor, leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted and loving daughter, Denise Lyles; son, Rodney Dotson; one granddaughter, Tanay Donyelle Dotson; two great grandsons, Jamare’ Alton White, Tyonna Mekhi White; one great granddaughter, Jayla Mariah White; one great-great grandson, Kingston Michael White; daughter-in-law, Linnette Alexander; devoted nieces, Andrea Horton and Donna Bacon; devoted nephew, Daryl Jones; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Eleanor M. Dotson

March 9, 1929 - March 2, 2024