Mrs. Dorothy L. Delisle

Dorothy Louise Delisle, centenarian at age 103, passed away on January 1, 2024.

Dorothy was greatly loved by her family and many loving, enduring friendships she made throughout her life. Even doctors and attendees in Dorothy’s elder years, would comment on how much they enjoyed her smiles and friendly “spunky’ demeanor.

Dorothy was born in Detroit, Michigan, March 30, 1920, to Jessie Stewart Cobb and Leland Johnstone Cobb. The family moved to Tampa, FL when she was 13 years old. Dorothy was one of many family members who attended Hillsborough High School. She later attended Tampa Business School and married her high school sweetheart, Allen W. Shelton. The happy marriage lasted until Allen passed away of a heart attack at 33 years old.

Dorothy was a member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. After Allen’s death, she became a teacher at the church’s kindergarten school and taught for many years. At that time, their kindergarten teachers were also responsible for picking up children at their homes in the morning and dropping them off after school. Dorothy also taught children’s Sunday school.

Some years later, mutual friends introduced Dorothy to Robert A. Delisle. Dorothy and Robert married on February 18, 1961, a marriage that lasted 52 years. Not long after marriage, they moved to Odessa, FL. Eventually, Dorothy stopped teaching kindergarten at the church, due to the extended drive. Dorothy also joined Village Presbyterian Church in Carrollwood, FL, where she was an active member for many years.

In 1978, Dorothy began volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa. Dorothy achieved an impressive record of 11,389 volunteer hours. She served many areas - auxiliary office, escort service, information desk, training new volunteers, and laboratory. Dorothy was on their board of directors for many years. She also served leadership board positions, including auxiliary president. In 2010, Dorothy was nominated for the Florida Hospital Association Volunteer of the Year. Many volunteers have commented on her positive influence and support. After turning 90, and 32 years of service, she ended her active service and became an associate member.

Dorothy was an avid reader and enjoyed travel cruises with friends and family. She also spent many wonderful vacations at the beach in Florida with cousins Jessie Johnson, Naomi Cockerham, Gladys Creighton and niece Arlene Grout. Dorothy looked forward to this very special time together each year.

Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Allen Shelton, husband Robert Delisle, brother Leland Cobb II, son Ted Delisle, granddaughter Yvonne Delisle, and cousins Naomi Cockerham, Gladys Creighton, and Bettie Doyle.

She is survived by daughters Carol Shelton Latta (Dennis), Judith Shelton, son Larry Delisle (Gloria), daughter Carole Delisle, nephew L. J. Cobb III (Eileen), their daughter Jennifer Paoli and sons Jeffery and Chris, niece Beverly Cobb, cousin Jessie Johnson (Fred), her daughter Susan Urbuteit and sons Brian Urbuteit (Kim) and Kenny Urbuteit (Reidun), cousin David Stewart (Cindi), grandchildren Cherie Black, Larry Delisle II (Teri) and loving great grandchildren and extended family.

Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Garden of Memories, 2407 East Lake Ave. Tampa 33610

Visitation will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January13, 2024, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy Delisle’s memory to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation - 2700 W. Dr. Martin L. King Blvd. Suite 310 Tampa, FL 33607; 813-872-0979; www.sjhfoundation.org,