Elinor Crocker, the only individual to have held all four officer positions in DignityUSA, passed away on October 7, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. Elinor was 94 years old.

Elinor was a longtime member of Dignity Washington and was beloved by members of our Washington, DC and Northern Virginia chapters. She joined Dignity in 1978 after learning that her oldest daughter was lesbian.

"Elinor was one of the fiercest allies of our community I ever met," said Marianne Duddy-Burke, who met Elinor in 1982. "She was entirely committed to justice and inclusion and gave 150% to the work.  It's hard to think of a Dignity event Elinor was not part of. I remember her laugh ringing out across the room at many a national convention, and seeing her in intense bridge games with three friends."

Elinor was elected national Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President, serving in these roles throughout the 1980s. On the last day of his second term, DignityUSA President Jim Bussen resigned, elevating Elinor to the role of President for a day. She spent the day issuing directives, including designating iced tea, which she drank by the gallon, the official beverage of Dignity.

Elinor was recognized with the Michael Bushek Award, one of DignityUSA's highest honors, in 1995. This award honors those who have provided exceptional service to DignityUSA.

Elinor moved to Arizona in her later years and was a regular attendee of Dignity Arizona.

Donations to Southeast Hospice may be made in memory of Elinor Crocker.  Southeast Hospice, 2522 Valleydale Rd, Ste 200, Hoover, AL 35244

We offer deep condolences to Elinor's family and to all who loved her. May her memory continue to inspire solidarity and fierce advocacy among many.

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