Dorothy Gayle Barkley of Eden, Maryland, formerly of Marumsco, Maryland, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar, Delaware. She was 89 years old. Born on February 3, 1937, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Mary Cannon of Marumsco.
She was educated in the Somerset County school system, where she graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School, in Crisfield, Maryland. She was a devoted woman of faith, family, and service whose loving spirit touched all who knew her.
Hess Apparel in Salisbury, Maryland employed Dorothy for several years. More importantly, she dedicated much of her life to serving her church and community. She was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in West Post Office, Maryland, where Reverend Pamela Polk serves as Pastor. Throughout the years, she faithfully served in many capacities including Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, President of the Missionary Board, member of the Usher Board, and was also a volunteer with the church Soup Kitchen ministry. Her commitment to God and her church family remained steadfast throughout her life.
Dorothy was a loving mother and cherished spending time with her family. She found great joy in family gatherings, sharing wisdom, laughter, and love.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories three sons: Mendel Gayle of Waldorf, Maryland; Larry Barkley (Angela) of Somerset, New Jersey; and Marlow Barkley of Sparta, North Carolina. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, along with a host of extended family members, church family, and friends who will deeply miss her presence and loving spirit.
Her beloved husband, Rudolph Barkley Sr.; her son, Rudolph Barkley Jr.; and her mother, Mary Cannon, preceded her in death.
A funeral service will be held 1:00PM Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, 12255 Pete’s Hill Road, Princess Anne, Maryland with a viewing one-hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, May 29, 2026, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.
Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery.
5 Responses
To the children, grand children, and all of the extended family, church family, and friends of my dear cousin, Dorothy, may we all take comfort in knowing that she kept her faith in her Lord and Savior. No more pain and suffering. For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Peace, love and prayers to each of you.
As a little girl, I loved spending time with Mom Mom Dot. I would cry when my parents came to pick me up because I never wanted to leave. I still have the doll you gave me for Christmas one year, and I wouldn’t let anyone play with it because it was my special doll from my Mom Mom Dot.
I’m so grateful for the memories we shared and truly blessed to call you my Godmother. Your love, warmth, and presence will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Love you always, Mom Mom Dot. ❤️
To Mother Barbara Marshall and the entire family our most sincere condolences and Prayers for The Lord’s to the family.
Your Mount Carmel MissionFamily.
In loving memory of Ms. Dot. One of the original matriarchs of Lincoln Park. My siblings and I grew up with her children. She always had a kind, pleasant and sweet demeanor. She will be missed.
I will always cherish the tips Ms.Dot gave me on being a boy mom.
She was one of my mother’s besties
She will be missed