Rosalyn Skelton Dozier

ROSALYN SKELTON DOZIER
January 27, 1942 – October 21, 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Rosalyn Skelton Dozier, a beloved member of Vienna (Virginia) Baptist Church for more than 40 years, on October 21 at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital at age 81. Rosalyn was born in Roanoke, Virginia, to Enoch and Illamae Skelton on January 27, 1942. She is survived by her husband, Lewis Dozier, her daughter, Robyn Dozier, and her brother Charles Skelton (Jacqueline). She was preceded in death by her son Keith Dozier and her siblings Kenneth Skelton, Jeannette Charlton, and Louis Skelton.

After graduating as valedictorian from William Byrd High School in Vinton, Virginia, in 1960, Rosalyn initially pursued an undergraduate education at Mars Hill University, where she received an Associate of Arts in literature, arts, and drama in 1962. She continued her studies at Radford College, earning a Bachelor of Science in education in 1964. She concluded her academic efforts at the University of Virginia, graduating with a Master of Education in reading in 1967 and completing postgraduate coursework from 1968 to 1989. She was additionally certified in elementary and middle school education, as well as in reading gifted education. For many years, starting in high school, she was active in Junior Achievement.

Rosalyn served as a teacher at William Byrd High School in Vinton, Virginia, from 1964 to 1966. From 1966 to 1967 she was a reading specialist with Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Arlington, Virginia. She further found success as a reading teacher, and reading and career education consultant, for Montgomery County, Maryland, schools between 1967 and 1978. She excelled as a reading specialist with several Fairfax County, Virginia, public schools after 1978: Cameron Elementary School from 1978 to 1981, Bush Hill Elementary School from 1981 to 1983, Langston Hughes Middle School from 1983 to 1998, and Great Falls Elementary School from 1998 to 2000. Finally, with more than 35 years of professional experience, Rosalyn retired in 2000.

Throughout her career, Rosalyn was celebrated for her achievements. She was featured in numerous publications, including multiple editions of Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, and Who’s Who of American Women. Moreover, in 1992 Rosalyn received the Nila Banton Smith Award, then given annually by the International Reading (now Literacy) Association to the individual teacher showing the most outstanding initiative in developing current content area literacy research into applicable classroom practice. Also, she was recognized as an exemplary nominee for “Teacher of the Year” by the Greater Washington Reading Council.

Rosalyn was active in missions and Christian education at Vienna Baptist Church. As a leader of the church’s partnership with a church in Moscow, she coordinated successful visits of Russian youth with Vienna area youth.

Rosalyn and her husband Lewis enjoyed world travel, including trips to Europe, the Holy Land, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska. Rosalyn and her daughter Robyn appreciated a relaxing vacation in Costa Rica.

Rosalyn was widely known for being a true friend with an endearing sense of humor that cheered up those around her. Her sharing and caring nature included many small acts of kindness.

The family will receive friends in the parlor of Vienna Baptist Church starting at 10 am on Saturday, November 11. A funeral service will begin at 11 am, with a reception and luncheon to follow. A graveside burial ceremony will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton, Virginia, at 10 am on Tuesday, November 14. Flowers may be sent to Vienna Baptist Church for delivery on the morning of November 11. Alternatively, contributions in Rosalyn’s memory may be made to Vienna Baptist Church, designated for missions.