Willie Dorothy Ensley

January 11, 1925 - January 2, 2021

The Life of Willie Dorothy Ensley Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; Ecclesiastes 3:2 - A time to be born, and a time to die…. Willie Dorothy Ensley (Martin) was born on January 11, 1925 in Belhaven, N.C. to her mother, Pearl Hemby and father, William Whitehurst. Dorothy was nurtured by her grandmother Lucy Martin. They shared a special bond for each other and a fondness for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. There, Dorothy gave her life to Christ at an early age. While at home in Southfield, MI and just 9 days before her 96th birthday, Dorothy peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest. Ecclesiastes 3:2 - A time to plant…. Dorothy graduated in 1943 from Beauford High where she became one of their homecoming queens. Dorothy captured the attention of Rufus Ensley while attending a high school basketball game and at his high school prom, Rufus proposed to Dorothy. She accepted his proposal and agreed to wait until he returned from his service his Naval service to become his wife. While waiting on the love of her life, Dorothy moved to New York and reunited with her mother, Pearl Anderson. While there, Dorothy honed skills to become a secretary and on February 4, 1946 Dorothy and Rufus were united in holy matrimony. This marriage was blessed with one adored son, Calvin. Ecclesiastes 3:2 - A time to pluck up that which was planted…. Willie, affectionately called Dottie, dedicated her life to Christ, her husband, family, and the Episcopal Church. She was a strong and unmovable supporter of her loved ones and church family. She demanded respect and stood firm on her beliefs. She was devoted to her principals and loyal to family and friends. For years, Dottie worked as a real estate secretary for Kovabo Real Estate Company. She later dedicated 22 years of service to Fazio and Son’s Oil Company as a highly respected office manager. Dottie then moved on to work as a Cardiogram Technician at King’s County Memorial Hospital in New York for 5 years before she retired in 1978. For over 30 years, alongside her husband, Dottie could be seen regularly on Sundays serving and worshiping at St. Thomas Episcopal Church or St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York. During her dedicated years of service at St. Thomas, Dottie was a Senior Warden and served on the Rector’s Guild. As a result of her years of uncompromised commitment, Dorothy was presented with the Episcopal Church’s highest honor, The Bishop’s Cross, for her unwavering dedication and service to the church. Although Dottie was very proud of this honor and acknowledgement, she continued to serve her church with distinction. After relocating to Southfield, MI, Dottie attended St. David’s Episcopal Church, where she brought the same spirit and eagerness to serve. Ecclesiastes 3:5 - A time to gather stones together, a time to embrace… Dorothy’s mission in life was to serve God, her church and family with excellence. By her husband’s side, she committed to work hard in life, and to enjoy the journey. She enjoyed attending events and affairs and socializing with her church family. Her dream wedding came true when she renewed her vows after 50 years of marriage. Together with her true love, they were blessed to celebrate 70 years of marital bliss. She personally selected her 50th wedding anniversary gown for her home going celebration. Together they enjoyed over 13 cruises to various islands on some of the newest and largest ships of their time. In her personal time, Dottie loved planning trips for groups in the church and organized several group trips for many to enjoy. She also enjoyed sharing great conversation with close friends. Ecclesiastes 3:8 - A time to love, a time of peace… Dorothy leaves to celebrate and cherish her beautiful spirit: her devoted son, Calvin Ensley (Jacqueline), 2 loving granddaughters, Sherri Johnson (James) and Robin Anderson, 6 great-grandchildren (Caleb, Joshua, Michael, Leah, Myles and Ryan), 2 God sons, Paul Watford (Brenda) and Tommie McGee (Florence), an adopted son, Richard Pina along with a host of life-long devoted family and friends. LIVESTREAMING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUNERAL SERVICES AT ST. DAVID'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Please click the link below to view services at St. David's. http://stdavidssf.infiplex.com/worship-protocol St. David's Episcopal is limiting visitors to 10.