Eloise Caulton

Eloise (Dorsey) Caulton was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 23, 1931, to mother, Louanna Leavell and father, Benjamin Dorsey and raised by her grandparents, Issac and Lula Leavell in Lincoln Heights. Eloise was rooted in the church and started playing and singing at age 5. Professor Kemper taught her to read music and perfect her skills and at 10 years old, she was playing for the Ebenezer Baptist Church Senior Choir. At age 15, she joined Byrd Street Baptist and by the time she was 16, under the leadership of Pastor R.D. Wess, she served in the music ministry, playing for various choirs at the church.

Eloise is survived by: her daughter, Sharon E. Caulton and former son-in-law, Anthony Jackson; her grandchildren, Chrislon A. Jackson, Nathia R. Jackson and I’an L. Jackson; great-grandchild, Wynter Blakes; extended grandchildren, Bianca Waldman, Michael Waldman, Malcolm Meyers and Cortez Reeves; godchildren, Ebony Joiner, Derrick Crooks and Julian F. Foster; extended family, Karen Thomas, Mary Ann Hayes, Denise Holt, Rochell Mimes and Pytell Floyd; cousins, Jeanette Hull and Renee Russell; sister-in-law, Rita Caulton and Marion Williams of Columbus, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Her dedication to services to her family, music ministry and career has left a legacy of service and a standard of spiritual excellence that lives on in everyone she touched.

Eloise always had a loving and giving nature and was a woman of many talents. After graduating from Wayne High School, she attended St. Frances Central School of Practical Nursing. In addition to her career in nursing, she also played a crucial role in the family business she shared with her husband. Later, she continued her education and received her pharmacology license. She retired after 40 years of service as a charge nurse at Oak Pavilion Nursing Home.

She was a talented seamstress and her contributions were crucial to the success of the Family business founded by her late husband, Roy’s Dry Cleaners, one of the many black-owned businesses that became a landmark in the community.

Her musical career included the Gospel Music Workshop of America. She served as the Minister of Music at Phillips Memorial CME Church for over 20 years, setting a standard of excellence through teaching disciplines and choir decorum that elevated Phillips Memorial’s Music Ministry to one of the best in the CME conference. Her dedication to the youth and young adults earned her the highest level of love and respect. Mother Caulton is responsible for enriching the lives of multiple generations of youth and young adults. Phillips' will always be eternally grateful for she gave selflessly of her time and so freely of her love.

Eloise served as a foster parent for 18 years here in Hamilton County, where she was honored as a Foster Parent of the Year in 1995.

After the loss of her beloved husband, Eloise found solace and strength in her faith. In 1994, she returned to her church home, LHMBC with renewed vigor and commitment. She served in the Bread & Thread Ministry and the Music Department, singing with Forever Young and the Adult Choir. Her unwavering commitment to her church and her faith was a testament to her resilience and strength of character.

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