Dolleen "Lady D" Edmondson

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

DDolleen (Crook) Edmondson was born on February 27, 1958, in Lake, Mississippi, to Lamar and Mandy

Crook, who both preceded her in death. Affectionately known to family as Polly, Dolleen married CW Edmondson in 1998. They shared 18 years of marriage until he gained his wings in 2016. Through this union, she gained and loved her children as her own: Uriah and Iyuna Edmondson (husband and wife), Melonie Bradley, and Valesha Waters.

"She was a devoted grandmother to Alicia, Aaliyah, Olivia, Zora, Isiah, LaChaune, and Kurt, and a proud great-grandmother to Ezeia and Eziah Myles."

Though she never had children of her own, she would be the first to tell you that her nephew, Quinten Crook, was truly her son. The two were inseparable.

Dolleen leaves to cherish her memory her sisters: Carolyn Hewitt, Clara Louise Slater, Jacqueline Crook, Wanda Brown, Angela Crook, and Savannah Branch; and her brothers: Lamar Crook Jr., Billy Wayne Crook, Daryl Brown, Marlon Obefemi, Lamar Carraway, and Rodney. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, fans, and bonus sisters from every corner of the world—too many to name, yet all deeply loved and claimed as family.


Known professionally as Lady D, the Blues Queen, Dolleen never took formal voice lessons. Her love for music began at home. Her mother sang from childhood into adulthood, traveling throughout Mississippi singing in church choirs. With music always filling the house, Polly naturally picked it up. Later in life, she began singing karaoke at various clubs and blues bars. Her career took off after receiving a $40 tip at Morrison Nightclub, which gave her the courage to sing professionally. From that moment forward, she became Lady D—a name that fit her perfectly.


Her birth name, Dolleen, was given by her great-grandmother Dolly Hughes, who also served as her midwife. Her father affectionately called her Dolly.


Lady D’s career spread like wildfire. She won several awards in Atlanta and other cities, became a member of the Blues Society, and performed on stages and radio stations around the world. She absolutely loved singing the blues, and when she performed, it felt like a private show—making every fan feel seen, valued, and appreciated.


We thank God for blessing us with her for 67 years. Over the last 20 years of her life, she touched countless lives. She never met a stranger, and to know her was to know love and to know God. She would pray for anyone, at any moment, about anything. Special thanks to all of her fans across the world.



We ask that everyone reading this obituary carry that spirit with them:

"God knows our needs before they materialize and has already prepared a solution."

                            Rest well:
Dolleen, Dolly, “Polly Wally Doodle All Day,” Baby, Mom, Polly, Aunt Polly, TT, and Lady D!!

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Memory wall

January 11, 2026

Get ready Heaven for a Great Blues Singer , That is coming your way

Johnnie Zanders

January 11, 2026

Lady D became my bonus auntie, meeting her through her nephew. I will never forget the confidence she possessed, her laughter and the love she showed towards me. Being a fan of live music I truly enjoyed seeing her perform and how she could rock a room. I can say she lived life doing what she loved. Lady D will truly be missed and may she rest in peace.

Paris Jones

January 11, 2026

My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. 🙏

Gwen Polk

January 11, 2026

My heart felt condolences to the family. I am sorely going to miss my friend/sis. My heart is filled with grief. Until we meet again sis rest easy. 'Amen. Her FAVORITE saying!

Ladonna Polk

January 11, 2026

Although I did not know Miss Dolleen personally, It was an honor to care for her in her last days. Miss Dolleen You were treated with dignity, compassion, and respect every moment. Being able to witness all the love you have in this world was heart warming. You definitely left your mark! May you rest in peace and love.

Tayler Bolden

January 10, 2026

Lady D I met through Atlanta Blues Society. We became friends and a support for each other. I will miss her and carry her in my spirit.

Crystal Moss

January 10, 2026

I love you Lady D thank you for always coming through for me.
Rest in Paradise
Miss Hattie

Hattie Lemon

January 10, 2026

I met her at my family establishment (Morris Restaurant and Lounge)
Her personality was contagious, singing impeccable, classy beautiful, professional
Lady ,she has left a legacy in the blues community, she will be missed , rest in peace pretty lady you gone from labor to reward !!!

SYLVIA RENÉE MORRIS

January 9, 2026

Nothing but positive vibes from this beautiful woman I had the pleasure of crossing musical paths with. Condolences and heart-felt sympathy to family and friends.

Ben Peeples

January 9, 2026

S.T.O.M.P SHOW JUNE 20TH 2025 IN LITHONIA

Mzconnie Mo

January 9, 2026

I’m Thankful I was able to work with Lady D on a few Shows. She was very professional and easy to work with. A True Blues singer and performer. You will be missed very much.
Dj Mr Melvin

Dj Mr Melvin

January 9, 2026

10 years ago I met her I told her I wanted to start back Singing and I was going to move to Atlanta to do it. She told me when you get back call me so I can put you on my show. I did, and she did ...And she was how I started meeting musicians and singing again in Atlanta. As I progressed I started putting on my own shows, and everytime I had a show I called her to come get on it ...And she did every time. Lady D became like a Big Sister to me and person I could confide in. I cannot express how sad I am to lose her so suddenly like this. A piece of my heart is broken 💔 We had such a special relationship and I am going to miss her terribly 😔

Mz Connie

January 8, 2026

Having been away from Decatur for some time, I saw Lady D perform at the Musician's Club around 2001. I thought to myself: "Now that's what I call sangin'," We hung out a few times, and I was honored to record her in my home studio. I will always remember her gentle spirit, humor and being down to earth. Rest well fellow blues woman.

Sonia Moree (Mitchell)

January 8, 2026

I've known LadyD since 2004 and even though we had our ups and down I enjoyed the times we performed tougher; and watching her sing. I truly admired and respect her Tenaciousness and pursuit in becoming "The Juke Joint Woman". Her love for singing the Blues and the joy she brought to those who was honored to catch her shows is matched by no other. My sincere condolences to her family. LadyD was one of a kind and without a doubt a great Blues entertainer. She will never be forgotten.

Juanita Hodges

January 8, 2026

I had the pleasure of meeting Lady D when she performed in Panama a couple of years ago. She was kind and encouraging, and when she got on stage, she set the place on fire! Folks got out of their seats, started dancing in the aisles and having a great time! She was a wonderful singer and a beautiful soul. Peaceful journey, Lady D! 🕊️🎶

Vee

January 8, 2026

It was my pleasure meeting Lady D through Miss Kay. Every event.& celebration together we always had a good time. Lady D was a woman after God’s own heart. She always acknowledge God.& gave God the praise first. Sweet spirit, woman, always smiling, giver & fun to be around. Will definitely miss hearing her singing. I have videos, but we can’t post them here. But our last celebration together was at her birthday party last year. We all dressed up as cowgirl and went out.

Sista Kay

January 7, 2026

Rest in peace Queen of Blues! You will truly be missed and cherished for life. I'll see you in the rapture my dear friend 💙.

Marlon D Gandy

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