Elgin Doss

Elgin Doss Obituary Elgin Doss was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 11, 1951, the only child of Willie Exum and Frances Doss Williams. He departed this life on December 10, 2020, four days after his mother’s passing. Elgin was affectionately known as “Peewee” or Doss by family and friends. His nickname Peewee was the result of him being a premature baby who spent time in the hospital until his weight and health was adequate for release to go home. He was raised in the home of his grandparents, Samuel and Lucinda Purdy where he was surrounded by close family who lived within the community. He grew into a big man with a big personality, 6’2” tall and over 200 pounds. When his mother married and expanded the family, he was blessed with five sisters and one brother. Moreover, his grandmother gave birth to a son when Elgin was four years old who became a special person in Elgin’s life. His “Uncle”, Samuel Purdy, Jr. was more like a brother than an uncle. Elgin attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from East Technical High School in 1971. His class was the first to graduate from the new East Tech which was located on East 55th Street. He pursued many interests and enjoyed watching and playing sports. He was on the basketball team and took pride in being a “Scarab” always bragging that he was a Scarab for life. Elgin enjoyed other extracurricular activities while at East Tech entering every dance competition and was an excellent hand dancer. He had many friends while growing up in the East 40th and Cedar area. His friendships and acquaintances were not limited to the neighborhood. Elgin knew people all over town. Elgin was an impeccable dresser. He loved clothes and shoes! His clothes always matched and were always coordinated with his shoes. Elgin had his haircut every week and always maintained his nails with a special manicure. Like his personal appearance, he loved big, immaculately kept cars! He maintained his vehicles like he did his clothes. Elgin enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country honorably. Upon returning home, Elgin worked for the City of Cleveland. During his tenure he held many titles, retiring in June, 2005. In April, 1988, Elgin met the love of his life, Sharonda. She provided him with unconditional love and the stable environment needed in his life. She provided immeasurable support in good times and bad. After his retirement, Sharonda and Elgin spent time traveling the country and cruising. During the last few years, Elgin was in and out of the hospital. His last days were spent in assisted living where Sharonda would visit him every day until the Covid restrictions placed everyone in a non-visitation status. She would call every day and would visit him in person if he had a stay in the hospital. Sharonda truly demonstrated her dedication by being with him when he was healthy and when his health declined. Elgin was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his sister, Alesia, his special cousin, Patricia Raglin and his surrogate father, Otis Denson. Elgin leaves to mourn his wife, Sharonda (his rock); children, Elgin Jermaine (Anissa), Jamell, Jamaul, and Chantel; five, sisters, Terrie, Toni, Larisa, Tammie and one brother, Kevin; eight grandchildren and one great grandson; two special aunts, Callie Mae Burnside and Vivian Hammett, one special uncle, Samuel Purdy, Jr., special cousin, Mary J. Smith, his devoted mother-in-law, Pearlie Denson and a host of other relatives and friends. Elgin will remain forever in our hearts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elgin Doss, please visit our floral store. Read More

Elgin Doss

April 11, 1951 - December 10, 2020