Ossie M. Ducksworth

Ossie Ducksworth, daughter of Russell Skinner Sr. and Myrtle Dudley-Skinner was born in Easton, Maryland on June 13, 1930. Ossie had three brothers, Charles, Russell and Sonny and two sisters, Doris and Bernice; all who preceded her in death. Ossie moved to Stamford, Connecticut as a young child and as a teenager attended Stamford High School. Ossie married Charles Ducksworth and they were parents to Joyce N. Ducksworth-Brown and Don Charles Ducksworth. Charles Ducksworth and Don Charles Ducksworth preceded Ossie in death.

Ossie worked in the field of nursing for many years and later in life attended the University of California, Dominguez Hills where she obtained her Bachelors Degree. Ossie worked in the teaching field because she loved working with children. Ossie served as a Sunday School Teacher and utilized her script writing ability to create plays for the children she loved. Ossie has served on the nursing units in many churches in both Connecticut and Arizona. Ossie was instrumental in establishing the first nursing unit (now referred to as the Wellness Unit) at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Ossie leaves behind a daughter and son-in law, Curtis and Joyce Brown; two grandchildren Curtis Jr. and Keith Gregory Brown; two great grandsons Moses June and Lincoln Chase Brown; and one pending great grandson Blake Brown. She also leaves behind three nieces Heidi Dudley-Forbes, Neisha Dudley-Natale, and Dorian Dudley-Harris; two nephews, Charles Dudley Jr. and Pastor John A. Heath and a host of other family members and friends.

What Ossie will most be remembered for is her love of dancing. It was said that she and her brother Charles (Chuck) won several dance contests … back in the days. However, Ossie continued dancing and would dance for hours at a time. We can all relate to stories of Ossie dancing and kicking her leg high up in the air. Well now Ossie is dancing and laughing with the Angles in Heaven ….

Dance On Sister Ossie – Dance On In Peace