Dolores Etta Churchill

Dolores Etta Churchill was born on September 11, 1929 to Thomas and Lillian Churchill in Washington D.C. She was never married, but, she was a perpetual mother to her entire family for three generations. Aunt Dolores loved education. After her primary education in Washington, D.C., she began her college education at the historically black college university, Howard University. After graduating Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree, she continued her education by attending University Southern California where she earned her first Master’s Degree in Social Work. After teaching for a few years, she learned of a Spanish program at University of California, Los Angeles. She was the recipient of a full ride scholarship from the Rockefeller Foundation at UCLA, where she earned a second Master’s Degree in Spanish and Cultural Diversity. Also, at some point in her education, she attended the University of Mexico for one year as an exchange student.

Dolores Churchill taught for 54 years in a classroom during her career, with a large bulk of her time at Rancho Santiago College. After her teaching journey, she prayed for something different. Aunt Dolores wanted to be out in the world being with people.

Aunt Dolores volunteered for the American Red Cross for over 30 years. She served as the organization’s chairwoman in 1996-1997. Through her work in the Red Cross, she traveled all over the country supporting people in disaster relief efforts across the nation. In her travels, she was afforded the opportunity to meet Pope John Paul II which is one of her proudest moments.

Dolores Churchill was a devout Catholic and had her house blessed in dedication to the sacred heart of Jesus. Because her life’s mission was social work, she felt it was a blessing to help people. She recounted that she received more than she ever gave by serving others.

Dolores Churchill was preceded in death by her Father, Thomas Churchill; Mother, Lillian Churchill; Sister-in-law, Martha Anna Byrd Churchill; Brothers, Thomas Churchill, Warren Churchill; Nieces, Sylvia Churchill Alicia Churchill, Beatrice Reed, Noreen Elbey, Greta Churchill Landers; and Nephews Freddy Churchill, Frederick Churchill, Ronald Churchill.

She leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Aunt Dolores, we all love you dearly and you will be forever missed.