Dorothy was a resident of Mason, Michigan, previously residing in Leslie and Jackson, MI. She graduated as valedictorian from Clinton High School, class of 1947, and earned her Registered Nursing degree from the Henry Ford School of Nursing in 1950. Her career as a nurse spanned more than 45 years, having worked at W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital in Jackson, MI and McClaren Hospital (formerly Ingham Medical Hospital) in Lansing, MI. Dorothy served as a nurse in the United States Navy during the Korean War where she met her husband Charles W. Church Jr., also a veteran of the Korean War.
She enjoyed selling AVON for more than 40 years making many lifelong friends who became part of her extended family. She played and enjoyed the piano, loved crocheting - always making pot holders for family and friends, watching John Wayne and Nicholas Sparks movies and NASCAR racing. She loved anything purple and was lovingly known as “Purple Grandma” by her grandchildren. She always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the Leslie United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents, brother Albert Neblo, and nephew Craig Neblo. She is survived by her four children, Prima Church, Robin Thomas, Mark (Linda) Church, and Terri Church; three grandchildren, Alexander (Roshani) Church, Kacie Thomas, and Jennifer (Mick Bursellino) Thomas; one great grandchild, Landon Thomas; and her nephew Todd Neblo.
For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Home Care and Hospice (McLaren Hospice and Home Care Foundation, Attn: Donations, 1515 Cal Drive, Davison, MI 48423; Donation form available at www.mclaren.org/Uploads/Public/Documents/MHG/MHGFoundationDonationForm.pdf), Leslie United Methodist Church (401 S. Main St., Leslie, MI 49251) or the Wounded Warrior Project (Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; Donation form available at www.woundedwarriorproject.org) in memory of Dorothy Church.
The family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Church family.
