Elise D. Dunkley-Sookhoo

Elise Dolores Dunkley was born on October 13, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY at the Brooklyn Women’s Hospital to Eric Samuel & Millicent Rebecca Dunkley. The youngest of her two siblings, Molly and Karl; Elise was affectionately known as “the baby”, a title she absolutely adored.

Elise attended New York City public schools and was an active participant in the choral club at Erasmus Hall H.S. where she graduated in 1973. Elise continued her education at Queens College graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in literature. While in school she was a member of the African-American club and served on the NAACP after graduation.

For well over a decade, Elise held a prestigious position at the Metropolitan Transit Authority responsible for implementing workshops, trainings, and employee lectures to ensure their continued success. In addition to her professional career, her true passion was in creating. A talented seamstress, she made clothing and dresses for many friends, even teaching some to knit and crochet so they could make their own. Elise loved flowers. After leaving MTA, she pursued her education at the Botanic Gardens where she learned to create beautiful floral arrangements.

A “mother” to her nieces and nephews, carrying the undefeated “favorite auntie” title, sleepovers at her house were always a treat. Adventures to the coolest restaurants in Manhattan, Coney Island, museums, movie nights and walks around East Flatbush for the best Jamaican treats was the norm hanging with “Aunt Elise”.

A lover of the arts, in her leisure, she was a regular at concerts and theatre performances. A pastime enjoyed growing up with her big brother, Karl, seen together so much they’d often be mistaken as twins. When there was music, she was never too far away, moving her arms and body to the sounds with a smile that lit up the room.

Later in life, Elise found her forever in Rudy Sookhoo. The two tied the knot in 2014, sharing a peaceful life in Brooklyn until her passing.

Elise will always be remembered for her enormous heart, radiant smile, and infectious laugh. A devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law and friend, Elise adored and poured immeasurably into her family.

Preceded in death by her parents Eric S. & Millicent R. Dunkley. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband, Rudy, stepsons, Leon & Quincy, step-grandchildren, Zyiah, Amairis, Nyla & Leon, Jr., brother Karl (Loretta), 2 nieces, Bridget & Jessica, 2 nephews, Brian & Justin, great nephew, Omari, and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and friends.

A visitation for Elise will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34480. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34480. A committal service will occur Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34480.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnOcala.com for the Dunkley-Sookhoo family.

Link to photo slideshow:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://1drv.ms/v/s!AoPQYQfdoZNOgaUQB0Sc4DaieF52Lw?e=PqZMOz__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!LP-7wWXPHR84dQur4OcKkreu9YFpmcMeuAvyVJ0YeIerrVDxTJtL808weXhSEn6c0ZDy-m-JCrs5nNtsroLVMbq73pw$

Zoom link for service:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82487604034?pwd=FYnZQboYgu9qTFMG9au9z7bny3zCfA.1