Zilpha Slosson Erskine

July 16, 1926 to January 27, 2022

Zilpha “Dotsie” Erskine, 95, passed away peacefully on January 27th at the home of her amazing caregiver, Terri Burlison. Terri and her equally amazing son, Josh, were by her side.

She was born to Theodore and Zilpha Slosson July 16, 1926, in Mount Kisco, New York, a town in Westchester County in which she grew up. She attended Northfield School for Girls in Northfield, MA, and went on to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she received a degree in Performing Arts.

Dotsie married the late Louis Gillespie Erskine Jr., “Gil”, in 1952 and is survived by her three children, Terry Erskine Ray “Terry”, William Birks Erskine “Birks”, and Louis Gillespie Erskine, III “Gip”, all of whom reside in Dallas, TX, and were blessed to be by her side in the days and hours before she passed. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Kendall Erskine Mason, Emma Lynn Erskine, Grace Ann Erskine and her great-grandchild, Riley Jane Mason.

Dotsie had boundless energy!!!

Raising her family in Scarsdale, NY, she immersed herself in community endeavors. Early on, Dotsie was active in the Scarsdale Junior League, taught guitar and sang in the church choir. Her passion for performing arts led her to direct several plays for the Greenburgh Theatre Group. By day, she worked as church secretary for Greenville Community Church. A tomboy and sports enthusiast, she never missed a ball game - not only did she keep the box scores, but she also threw the occasional batting practice. She was always there to shepherd the kids around when they needed it.

After her divorce in 1983, Dotsie moved to Vero Beach, FL. Once again, she became heavily involved in her new community. She worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, started the “Early Morning Beach Walkers Society”, and joined a handbell ringing troupe at The Community Church of Vero Beach. With music being part of her DNA, she took up the marimba in her 70s.

Dotsie adored her family. As her kids had kids, she displayed the same energy and enthusiasm for her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grand Dots”. How she found the time to feed her addiction – New York Times Crossword Puzzles – is a mystery.

She moved to Dallas in 2016 to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

At the tender age of 91, she went back to her beloved Skidmore College to receive their Outstanding Service Award. She was accompanied by her son, Birksm and granddaughter, Kendall. Her acceptance speech entitled “Ain't Love Grand” earned her the only standing ovation of the day.

Dotsie had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She possessed an uncanny ability to make those around her cheerful. Her outgoing, warm personality made it easy for her to make friends of all ages.

In lieu of flowers, you may give to Skidmore College’s Yellow Rose Memorial Fund and make a donation in Dotsie’s memory. Go to www.skidmore.edu/give. Donors may select the designation “other” and type in: Yellow Rose Fund in memory of Dotsie Erskine ’48.

A “Celebration of Life Memorial” will be held 4pm, Sunday, March 20th, at the home of Terry and Joel Ray, 10040 Hollow Way Road, Dallas, TX, 75229.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Erskine family.