Dorris Wingfield Smith McElroy

Dorris Wingfield Smith McElroy

Dorris McElroy, born 12/1/38 in Richmond, VA, to Albert N Smith, Sr. and Ethel Smith, died peacefully 8/22/25 at Gilchrist in Towson following a cerebral hemorrhage.

Dorris was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Ken McElroy. High school sweethearts, Dorris and Ken met at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond. Dorris graduated from the College of William and Mary, with an BA in English. Then, while working part-time and raising four children, Dorris earned her master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University.

When her youngest son Brendan started kindergarten, Dorris returned to work, first as a home health teacher, then for a group home for boys. After receiving her master’s, Dorris ran the Don Miller house, a hospice for people with HIV/ AIDS. Her work there led to her long term volunteer role at Gilchrist hospice.

Dorris championed women’s rights, campaigning door-to-door for Shirley Chisholm in 1972. She believed all children could thrive given love and attention, and volunteered at Margaret Brent school, All God‘s Children camp, and St. Luke’s Youth Center. She delivered food for Guardian Angel’s food pantry. Active in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Dorris was a member of Guardian Angel, and attended weekday and Taize services at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. She started each morning with prayer and reflection. Her love was boundless, and she was committed to make the world a better place.

She was a proud member of the Friday Afternoon Theological society (FATS), which met for a weekly beer, believing, as Saint Bridget did, that there is a lake of beer in heaven. She made terrific salads. A dedicated Orioles and Ravens fan, she enthusiastically watched the games. Her other hobbies included playing scrabble, knitting and eavesdropping on people in public. Her family and friends will miss her beyond measure .

She is survived by her children Patrick (Cathy), Bridget Cowie (Mike), Deirdre (Patrick Mellin) and Brendan, and six grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her brother Albert N. Smith, Jr., and her grandson James McElroy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

All God’s Children Camp Online: www.BmoreSLYC.org Checks payable to SLYC, Subject: Dorris S. McElroy All God’s Children Mail to: 217 North Carey St., Baltimore, MD 21223

Gilchrist Hospice Online: https://gilchristcares.org/donate Mail to: Gilchrist, Attn: Philanthropy Department 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

Church of the Guardian Angel 2629 Huntingdon Ave., Baltimore, MD 21211 Via Zelle: guardianangelremington@gmail.com