Dorothy Evelyn Greenleaf

Dorothy Evelyn Rogers Greenleaf, age 99, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

She was born August 7, 1926, in Haywood County to the late Thomas Webb Rogers and the late Fannie Selena McGee Rogers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Frank Greenleaf, and three sisters: Mildred Martin, Ruth Magher, and Geraldine Wolfe.

Surviving are her sons, William Greenleaf and wife Patricia, Lee Greenleaf and wife Donna, and Richard Greenleaf and wife Denise; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Fines Creek, Dorothy returned frequently over the past 20 years to memories of her childhood on the Rogers farm and her solitary wanderings along pasture and woodland trails. This early soul work shaped her life of faith and of spiritual expressions in art and music. Dorothy graduated from Fines Creek High School and attended the UNC Women's College (now UNCG) and Western Carolina University. Dorothy dedicated her life to public service and education. She began her career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, DC, as a school teacher, and later retired from the Michigan State Police.

While working as an FBI fingerprint specialist, Dorothy met her future husband, William (Bill) Greenleaf. They were married in Haywood County and received a letter of congratulations from the FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover. While in Washington, Bill was called to serve in the US Army, serving in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. When Bill was called to serve in the Korean War, Dorothy put Bill on a train to boot camp and took another train to Haywood County, where their first son, William, was born. Bill returned to the FBI, and the family moved back to Washington, DC, where their second son, Lee, was born. The FBI transferred the family to Chicago, IL, and then to Detroit, MI, where their third son, Richard, was born. While living in the Detroit area, Dorothy taught elementary school. The family moved to Lansing, MI, and Dot began a 15-year career with the Michigan State Police as a Fingerprint Technician. In 1990, Dorothy and Bill returned to Waynesville and joined Longs Chapel Church.

Dorothy was active in the choir and worked with others in establishing the Open Door. She was an artist and craftswoman, skilled in painting, working with stained glass, and cooking. She was the Fines Creek Rogers Clan Matriarch and proud of the Rogers heritage in Western NC. The Namesake of the Waynesville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is Revolutionary War soldier Hugh Rogers, Dorothy's great-great-grandfather.

Dorothy loved her family and extended family of nieces and nephews unconditionally. She was always available to lend an unbiased ear or shoulder to lean on. She will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Second Season Thrift Store and Neighborhood Pantry (www.longschapel.com/second-season), Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc.(www.sarges.org/donate), or to your favorite charity.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Services is deeply honored to be caring for the Greenleaf family.