Janie Roszelia Marie (Dobson) Ricketts

Janie Roszelia Marie Dobson, 80, of Ridgely, Maryland, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the University of Maryland in Easton.

Janie was born on March 14, 1945, in Ridgely, Maryland, on what was then called Hell’s Lane, now known as Nine Town Road. She attended the all-Black Elementary School in Ridgely beginning in 1951. During her teenage years, she worked at the local tomato and corn factories and did housecleaning in Ridgely.

Janie graduated from Lockerman High School in Denton, Maryland, in 1963 and later moved to Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband Eugene M. Ricketts. There, she worked as a nurse’s aide and X-ray technician at St. Francis Hospital. In 1965, she welcomed her son, Bryan E. Dobson, and in 1968, her daughter, Yulenda D. Ricketts, was born.  

After returning to Ridgely, Janie began her long and dedicated career at Easton Memorial Hospital.  In 1978, she built her home on Henry Road, where she resided for the last 47 years. Janie loved her community, her neighbors, and the peaceful surroundings she helped create.

Janie’s career at Easton Memorial Hospital spanned 45 years, during which she served as a Pharmacy Tech/ Supervisor and trained countless individuals in her field. In December 1995, she became the first person in Maryland to earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) title. She was later registered with the Maryland State Board of Pharmacy in 2006. Janie retired from her position in November 2016, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, leadership, and compassion. After retiring, Janie decided to devote the latter years of her life to volunteering at a local food pantry, Aaron’s Place Inc., in Denton, Maryland. Janie touched so many lives at Aaron’s Place, where she loved everyone, and everyone loved her deeply. Her smile, her strength, and her dedication will surely be missed by all who came into the pantry and would be greeted by her. Janie was a solid foundation, a dedicated presence in serving the Lord and the community.
Outside of volunteering, Janie had a deep love for travel and experienced many adventures throughout her life. To name a few, she traveled to Paris, France; London, England; Egypt; Jerusalem; Alaska; and Dublin, Ireland, as well as several Western and Eastern Caribbean islands.

She was a proud member of several organizations, including the Hannah Henry Circle, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Ridgely Lions Club, and New Beginnings United Methodist Church in Ridgely. At her church, she served faithfully as Treasurer and as a Trustee Board Member. In 2007, Janie was appointed Ridgely Lions Club District 22B Social Chairperson, organizing events such as the district social attended by nearly 300 people in Ocean City, Maryland. Her dedication earned her an Achievement Award for Lioness of the Year (2005–2007).

Janie’s kindness, strong work ethic, and devotion to family and community touched many lives.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Bryan E. Dobson (Tama), daughter, Yulenda D. Ricketts-Green (Keith), two grandchildren, DaJuan T. Groce (Otika) and Keiana M. Green (Bronson Sr). Two great-grandsons, Bronson Jr and Bryson. Sister in laws Sandra Pitts, Silvia Dobson, and Shirley Dobson. She is also survived by her siblings, Viola Grooms, Florence Dobson-Gonzalez, Bernadette Dobson, Martina Bethea-Dobson, Rodney (Berneice) Dobson, Eugene (Linda) Dobson, and Darren (Jewetta) Dobson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester (Doretha) Dobson.  Brothers Lester (Shirley) Dobson, Melvin (Silvia) Dobson, Michael Dobson, Henry Wooten, Arthur (Sandra) Pitts Jr., sisters Doreen King, Tina Dobson, and Deborah Dobson.

Janie is also survived by a longtime special friend, William R. Greene, a host of nieces and nephews, and many loving relatives and friends who will deeply miss her.

Her memory will forever remain a beacon of love, service, and faith in the hearts of all who knew her.
 

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