WINSTON SALEM, NC – Mrs. Emma Lee (Rucker) Dismuke, 79, one of the first African American teachers in Ashtabula County and longtime educator with the Ashtabula Area City Schools passed away Friday February 4, 2022. She was born June 8, 1942, in Winston-Salem, NC, to the late Claude Colbert David Rucker and Ora Lee (Gordon) Rucker. Mrs. Dismuke earned her bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Winston-Salem Teachers College (Now Winston-Salem State University) at the age of 19. She wanted to choose a career that combined her love of sports and making an impact in the lives of the youth.
Mrs. Dismuke began her teaching career in 1964 at Ashtabula High School in Ashtabula, Ohio. She retired after 35 years with the school system being employed at both Ashtabula High and Columbus Junior High. Mrs. Dismuke retired July 1, 2000 but continued to serve as a substitute teacher for the district from 2004 to 2018. During her teaching career, she coached volleyball, track, basketball, and softball. It was not uncommon to see her running alongside her students/athletes or seeing them greet her in the hallway by calling her "Cheese!".
Mrs. Dismuke was preceded in death by her husband Phlenoid Dismuke Sr. in 2011, her parents, Sister, Claudia Rucker Foote, nephew, Andre Robinson
Mrs.Dismuke was honored in 1983 at Ashtabula High School by the yearbook staff. She was recognized for her role as advisor to the Black Culture Club. This club would host school dances, present at the annual Martin Luther King assembly, donate to the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and help those families in need.
Mrs.Dismuke was a faithful and loyal member of Peoples Missionary Baptist Church, where she met her husband Phlenoid Dismuke Sr. They married August 13, 1966, and celebrated 44 years of marriage before his passing. Mrs. Dismuke served in many ministries within the church. Some included: Choir and Church Clerk. Mrs. Dismuke will always be remembered for loving the Lord, her contagious energy, that beautiful smile, and melodic voice. She was such an inspiration to those around her, especially the students. Ashtabula, Ohio was so very blessed to have Mrs. Dismuke's light shine for so many years.
Mrs. Dismuke leaves to cherish most dear and precious memories to her children, Christel Simone Dismuke of Greensboro, NC and Phlenoid(Sheniqua)Dismuke, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; Two step-children, Ann Eudell and Lorinda Cooper Davis; One loving Brother, Ronald(Vonda)Rucker of High-Point, North Carolina; Brother-In-Law: Buford Foote, Walkertown, NC; Twelve grandchildren Rebecca(Jarele) Gaines, Joseph Eudell, Aaron Eudell, Romel Dismuke, Trey Lohr, Natasha(Justin) Sosa, Jaii Childs, Dominique Cooper, Aniya Cooper, Atavia Cooper, Sydni Miles and Shelby Miles; many great-grandchildren, Nieces, K'Sandra Turner, Tonya Foote Little, Brenda Miller, Imogene Hunt, Jasmine Hunt, Nina Ross Hunt, Momo Rucker, Rodoris Sharp, and Gregnicca Triplett; Nephews; George Tracy Dismuke, Anthony Rucker, Montee Foote, Ralph Turner, Antoine Hunt Jr, James Hunt, Damien Hunt, Buddy Hunt and Ronald Rucker Jr; Two God-Children, Rita Wells Gorder and Tamaria Wells Stevens.. Many special friends whom she loved like family who will miss her dearly; and a host of cousins in other states that were an intricate part of her life. A Special Thank you to those who help care for our mom. We thank you for your love, dedication and commitment to take time to serve. We

are forever grateful. May God continue to bless you. Thank you to the staff of Douthit and Ducro funeral services for your professional care as we lay our mom to rest.
Winston-Salem Viewing: Wednesday, February 16,2022, 1:00 pm-4:00pm pm at Douthit Funeral Home. 515 Specialty Park Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. www.douthitfuneralservices.com (336) 896-0061
Calling hours will be held from 12 to 2PM with a service to follow at 2 PM on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Lakeside High School Auditorium, 6600 Sanborn Road, Ashtabula. Please use the event entrance. Pastor Emory Moore of New Hope COGIC (a former student), will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville.
Contributions in her memory may be made to her children at P.O. Box 16578 Greensboro, NC 27416
Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula is honored to assist the family with arrangements. www.ducro.com Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.