Dolleen (Crook) Edmondson "Lady D"

Dolleen (Crook) Edmondson was born on February 27, 1958, in Lake, Mississippi, to Lamar and Mandy Crook, both of whom preceded her in death. Affectionately known to family as Polly, Dolleen married C.W. Edmondson in 1998. They shared 18 wonderful years of marriage until he gained his wings in 2016. through this union, she gained and lovingly embraced her children as her own: Uriah and Yuna Edmondson (husband and wife), Melonie Bradley, Daniel Hicks, and Verlisha Waters. She was a devoted grandmother to Alicia, Aaliyah, Olivia, Zora, Isaiah, LaChaune, and Kurt, and a proud great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. “Dolleen was so much more than my dad’s wife—she was a true mother figure who embraced her role with pride and devotion. She loved and supported me and my siblings wholeheartedly and was my biggest cheerleader through every season of life. She took great pride in being a grandmother and never missed a milestone, graduation, or birthday—always showing up with love, encouragement, and joy. Her presence meant everything to us, and she will forever hold a special place in my heart.” Though she never had children of her own, she would be the first to tell you that her nephew, Quinten Crook, was truly her son. The two were inseparable. Dolleen leaves to cherish her memory her sisters: Carolyn Hewitt, Clara Louise Slatter, Jacqueline Crook, Wanda Brown, Angela Crook, and Savannah Branch; and her brothers: Lamar Crook Jr., Billy Wayne Crook, Daryl Brown, Marlon Obefemi, Lamar Carraway, and Rodney. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, fans, and bonus sisters from every corner of the world—too many to name, yet all deeply loved and proudly claimed as family. Her birth name, Dolleen, was given by her great-grandmother, Dolly Hughes, who also served as her midwife. Her father affectionately called her Dolly. Known professionally as Lady D, the Juke Joint Woman, and lovingly celebrated as the Blues Queen, Dolleen never took formal voice lessons. Her love for music began at home. Her mother sang from childhood into adulthood, traveling throughout Mississippi singing in church choirs. With music always filling the house, Polly naturally picked it up. Later in life, she began singing karaoke at various clubs and blues bars. Her career took off after receiving a $40 tip at Morrison Nightclub—an encouraging moment that gave her the courage to sing professionally. From that point forward, she became Lady D, a name that fit her perfectly. Lady D’s career spread like wildfire. She won several awards in Atlanta and other cities, served as a member of the Atlanta Blues Society, and performed on stages and radio stations around the world. One of her most recent performances was in Panama, Panama, at the Blues Extravaganza. Her talent and voice carried her far beyond what she ever imagined. She absolutely loved singing the blues, and when she performed, it felt like a private show—making every fan feel seen, valued, and appreciated. We thank God for blessing us with her for 67 years. Over the last 20 years of her life, she touched countless lives. She never met a stranger, and to know her was to know love, kindness, gratitude, and her deep love for God. She would pray for anyone, at any moment, about anything. We ask that everyone reading this obituary carry that same spirit with them. Her Favorite Quote About God: “God knows our needs before they materialize and has already prepared a solution.” — Matthew 6:8 (“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”) Rest well: Dolleen, Dolly, “Polly Wally Doodle All Day,” Baby, Mom, Polly, Aunt Polly, TT, Blues Songbird—a.k.a. Lady D.

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Dolleen (Crook) Edmondson "Lady D"

February 27, 1958 - January 2, 2026