She was born December 13, 1932 in Appleton City, Missouri to Earl and Edna Johnson. Dorothy attended and graduated from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri with a degree in Early Education. She continued her education at William Jewell earning her Master’s in Education. She began her career as a third grade teacher with Davidson Elementary later she would work with the Head Start Program as a teacher and then Director of LaPetite Academy in Kansas City North. Dorothy would retire as the Regional Director of the LaPetite Academy in the KC area. She was honored by the LaPetite Academy for obtaining a 100% capacity at each of her location she oversaw. Dorothy was recognized and received the Alumni Award by Southwest Baptist University in 2013.
Dorothy was a charter member and extremely involved at Northgate Baptist Church and later would become a member of Grace Community in Smithville, MO. She was a member of the Kansas City North and Smithville Lions Clubs, Northland Garden Club, and WMU. She was a volunteer with Northland Meals on Wheels.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her 1st husband, Vernon Bearce; her son, Brian; and her 2nd husband, Raymond Laverentz.
Survivors include her daughter, Debbie (Kelly) Howe; grandchildren, Derek, Patrick, and Breanna; her brother, Bob (Nola) Johnson; her nieces, Joyce (Dick) Baxter, Shirley (Robert) Ferro, and Marlene (Mike) Dunlop; the Bearce Family, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18