Dorothy Jean Napier

Dorothy Jean Napier was born on September 15, 1937, in Boley, Oklahoma to Walter and Teresa Miller. ‘Dot Jean’ or ‘Princess’, as she was affectionally called by her husband, entered into everlasting peace on September 30, 2024, in Surprise, Arizona.

Dorothy, along side her older brother, David Miller, spent her early years in the small town of Boley surrounded by a legacy of strong, hard-working women such as her Mother Teresa, Aunt Media and Grandmother. They each can be credited for her spirited, determined, never-stopping drive.

Moving from Boley to Tulsa in her Junior High school years, she met Charles Napier during her sophomore year at Booker T. Washington High School. While she was a cheerleader on JV and he was Quarterback on Varsity, the two united, married 2 years later on April 11th, 1955 and have remained together for a total of 69 years.

Both from humble backgrounds, Charles enlisted in the Air Force as the first means to provide for their family. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed their first and only son Charles Jr. Then in September 1957, their one and only daughter LaDonna.

Being in the air force, they travelled extensively. They lived in Nebraska, Philippines, Japan, Florida, Virginia and California just to name a few places. While travelling, Dorothy continued her education obtaining her Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, and her Nursing credentials. As a Registered Nurse, she spent many years in Urgent Care, with the later years working years in Case Management and caring for families in need of her support. Dorothy always had a heart of service. This was a quality she received from being a Christian at an early age. She volunteered every chance she got. Be it feeding the hungry at church, buying backpacks for children going back to school, or opening her home for someone in need, Dorothy rolled up her sleeve and went to work.

Her natural gift of caring was demonstrated as she and Charles lovingly cared for their Mother, Father and Aunt until their final days. After their parents passed, Charles and Dorothy moved to Arizona in 2004. From day one until health obstacles slowed her movement, Dorothy was heavily involved in Church, a member of the Sisters of The Valley and the Grand Connection.

She loved being anywhere near the water, including sitting at the beach or spending time on a cruise ship. Well-travelled, creative, and very energetic, she was always looking for her next adventure. Dorothy loved jazz, fashion and art. She was a true citizen of the world who loved culture, music and style. She made it a point to always look her best even if it was just sitting at home with Charles laughing and joking to the sound of light jazz music in the background. She loved Gospel music and the quiet time alone reading the Lord’s Scripture. She truly was a beautiful person with an equally beautiful spirit.

The Life of Dorothy Jean Napier

Dorothy showed us what it meant to live a dream through her marriage and motherhood. However, by no means did she live life without its difficulties. She lived a life exampling how to be strong and

Courageous enough to move past any obstacles. She lived a life made only out of love. Dorothy was and always will be a deeply loved person. A true fighter and lover of life, she was a woman of extreme courage with enormous faith and will be painfully missed by all that knew her. Our prayer is that while she is missed, a smile will appear with every memory.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Charles Napier, daughter LaDonna Trotman (Napier), her brother David Miller; Grandchildren Tanesha, Tyree, Charlynda (Steven), and Charles III; Great grandchildren Skylar, Brooke, Alex, Jalaya, Tiana, Ryan, Kylee and Demari and her great-great grandson Ashton; very special best friend Mae, and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation for Dorothy will be held Monday, October 21, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 North Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Grace Community Church, 16165 W Mountain View Blvd, Surprise, AZ 85374. A repast will occur Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 3:30 PM at The Grand Sonoran Plaza, 19753 N. Remington Drive, Surprise, AZ 85374.