Leon Bennett Dorsey

On the 16th of May 1952, a seven-pound and eight-ounce baby boy was born in Cambridge, Maryland to Bennett Victor Dorsey and Leotha Stubbs Johnson. He was named Leon Bennett Dorsey. Raised in the close-knit Cross Street and Schoolhouse Lane community, he attended historic Pine Street Elementary and spent cherished days with family on Hoopers Island. years. He was a descendant of the African American Dorsey, Pritchett, Stubbs, Ross, and Travers family of South Dorchester.

By age 16, Leon was mastering the butcher's trade as an apprentice at the A&P Market, In Cambridge, Maryland. By 1969, at the age of 17, Leon gained membership to the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America, AFL-CIO, as well as becoming affiliated with the United Food Workers International Union, AFL-CIO. Leon attended Maces Lane High School, and it was where he met the love of his life, Sandra Glenda Perry, who was his prom date. In 1970, he graduated from the first integrated class of Cambridge High School.

After graduating from Cambridge High School, Leon and his high school sweetheart went off to attend Morgan State College, now known as Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was a history major. He often mentioned riding home on the weekends on the back of Larry Dennis' motorcycle across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which was a two-lane bridge at the time. After returning home from college, he began working full-time for the A&P Market from 1973 to 1980. In 1980, up until his retirement in 2013, Leon was a butcher and manager of the produce and deli section at Food Rite- IGA in Hurlock, Maryland. While there, he built and established a solid relationship with the citizens of North Dorchester. He was known for being kind and professional to all patrons he came into contact and interacted with.

On the 27th of October 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Glenda Perry, and on the 20th of January 1974, he became a father to his one and only child, a son, Deonte Dorsey, Sr. As a father, he was always present and taught his son Deonte’ the meaning of work ethnics and how hard one must work if he wants something out of life. Leon was very loyal to his parents and siblings and there was not a day that went by that he didn't stop by to check on them and their well-being. He was a provider and protector of his family. He was a second son to his in-laws, Emerson, and Omar Perry, and spent lots of time at their residence on Maple Dam Road, attending countless Sunday family dinners and family 4th of July barbecues. Throughout the years, Leon served as a second father to his two nephews, Joseph ‘Jody’ Dorsey and Victor Perry and niece Dawn Perry. On the 25th of September 1998, his first grandchild, a boy, Cameron Dorsey, was born and passed away five days later September 30th, 1998. On the 17th of August 1999, he officially became a grandparent to another grandson, Deonte’ Dorsey Jr., also known as Tae, followed by the birth of a second grandson, on the 4th of May 2001, Myron Dorsey, whom he called Floyd. He also grandparented and acknowledged as his own granddaughter, Ajone’ Camper-Munoz. On 31 Jan 2022 he became a great-grandparent to Kehlani Munoz and was blessed on 29 Sept 2025 with another great granddaughter Malia Munoz. He was a proud and dedicated grandparent, going the extra mile to ensure that his grandchildren were happy and well taken care of.
On the 31 0ct 2025 Leon lost the love of his life, his wife of 52 years, Sandra Perry Dorsey. Two months and 30 days later Leon passed away at Peninsula Regional Medical center in Salisbury, MD to rest in eternal peace with his beloved wife.

Leon devoted himself to family life. He became a beloved figure in the community, known for his warmth and dedication right up until retirement. Every chapter of his life reflected hard work, love, and commitment to those around him.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents Bennett Dorsey and Leotha Stubbs Johnson. His wife Sandra Perry Dorsey. Three brothers, Andrew and Robert Johnson and Victor Dorsey. One sister, Bertina Johnson Rodriguez. In-laws, Emerson and Omar Perry and Grandson Cameron Dorsey.

Leon is survived by his one and only child Deonte Dorsey, Sr. (Salisbury, MD). A special daughter-in-law (mother of his grandchildren) Christi Camper of Baltimore, MD. Two grandsons Deonte Dorsey, Jr., and Myron Dorsey both of Salisbury, MD. One granddaughter Ajone’ Camper-Munoz and grandson-in-law, Michael Munoz of Kissimmee, Fl and 2 great-granddaughters Kehlani and Malia Munoz of Kissimmee Florida. One sister, Kathryn Dorsey of Cambridge, MD. Two special nephews, Joseph ‘Jody’ Dorsey and Victor Perry. A special niece, Dawn, Perry. A special great nephew Jordan Dorsey and a special great niece Ashleigh Perry and a host of family and friends.

Leon was known for his radiant smile and personality and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

*A special acknowledgment of thanks and gratitude to nieces Stephanie and Kim Perry for all their acts of kindness and emotional support.