Valentine Jonathan Dorsey

Born on February 14, 1932, in Miami, Florida, to Bahamian immigrant parents Austin J. Dorsey and Veda Inez Dorsey, Valentine J. Dorsey was the youngest of four children and a shining light of love, music, and joy. He attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School, where he discovered his passion for music as a member of the high school touring marching band. Athletically he excelled in tennis, ping pong and bowling. Valentine continued his education at Florida A&M University, participating in Army ROTC, becoming a distinguished military graduate, and joining the original Marching 100. He was also initiated into the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and actively contributed to musical productions during his time at Florida A&M University. He matriculated with a Bachelors of Science in Math. Upon graduation, Valentine was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving as an Air Defense Artillery officer. During a tour in Alaska, he met and married Espinetta “Es” E. Griffin, an Air Force nurse. Together, they shared a remarkable 20-year military journey and 57 year marriage, including assignments in Korea and Vietnam, while raising six children. A devoted father and "girl dad plus one" Valentine embraced his family life with unwavering love and commitment. After retiring from the military, Valentine settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where he continued to serve his community. As a member of the Eta Omega chapter of Omega Psi Phi, he played a key role in hosting the 1976 conclave. His love for music and family was evident when he recorded a performance with his children titled “Two Hundred Million People”. A dedicated supporter of his children's activities, Valentine served as a "team dad" for sports teams and actively participated in their after school activities including dance recitals, band, drama, and sporting events. Alongside Espinetta, he was a pillar of the Parent Teacher Association at Sts. Peter and Paul School. Valentine’s faith was central to his life. After joining the Catholic Church in 1983, he became an integral member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, serving in the finance council, parish council, men’s club, choir, and usher board. Parishioners fondly remember his warm smile and kind presence as he welcomed them to worship each weekend. During this time if he wasn't at church you could find him working on a house for Habitat for Humanity. Preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Matthew A. Dorsey, Theodore J. Dorsey and Virginia E. Dorsey, his beloved wife Espinetta, and his son Valentine J. Dorsey II. Valentine leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He is survived by his five daughters: Valerie Lynn Lister (Harry), Victoria Inez Dorsey, Vivien Jamira Dorsey, Verah Marie Turner (Timothy), and Vernetta Ella Dorsey-Windsong (Nadiyah); daughter-in-law Laura Dorsey; three cherished grandchildren, Jessica Dorsey Lister, Rebecca Marie Dorsey, and Harrison Jonathan Lister; and countless friends and loved ones. All services will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 2560 Tilson Road Decatur, GA 30034, the weekend of December 20th and 21st. An Omega Memorial Service will take place at 5 pm preceding the wake that will take place at 6 p.m. on December 20th and the Celebration of Life Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on December 21st. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on the Sts. Peter and Paul's Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stspandp/) and YouTube (@sts.peterpaulcatholicchurc8554) pages. Interment will be at Honey Creek Woodlands Cemetery following the repast with Military Honors. Major Valentine J. Dorsey was a beacon of strength, love, and joy. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he so dearly loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation - “In memory of Valentine Dorsey” to Habitat for Humanity, an organization that he loved.

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Valentine Jonathan Dorsey

February 14, 1932 - December 11, 2024