Dorothy Elizabeth Morris, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5th at Woodland Terrace-Longmeadow in Niles.
Dorothy was born on March 4,1930 in Chippewa County, Upper Peninsula Michigan. The family later moved to Buchanan where Dorothy graduated from Buchanan High School in 1948.
Dorothy married Jimmie P. Morris on August 20,1948, and they made their home on Liberty Street in Buchanan where they lived their entire married life other than the last 2 years where they both lived at Woodland Terrace.
Dorothy, affectionately known as Dotti, was a beloved figure and trailblazer in the Buchanan community. Dotti was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a compassionate sister, an adoring grandmother, and a friend to many. Her life was an inspiring testament to her faith in the Lord and her unwavering love for her family. She was a woman of immense creativity, known for her tireless work as a bus driver at Buchanan Community Schools, and for the colorful crafts that adorned Granny’s Rocker, a well-loved craft store she owned and operated for two years. She was a generous soul, a trait that extended beyond her family to her community, where she volunteered at Niles Hospital, Redbud Area Ministries, and the First United Methodist Church.
Dotti’s compassion was as deep as her faith. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served on various committees, was a scholarship chairman, and became a Lay speaker, delivering sermons that resonated with many. Dotti was a fierce prayer warrior, starting each day with prayers for her family and anyone in need. She found joy in simple things like cooking, baking, reading, crafting, sewing, and gardening, but what mattered most to her were her Lord Jesus Christ and her family, including her cherished 12 grandchildren, and a multitude of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Jimmie, her sons Gary, Jimmie, and Brad (Laura), daughter-in-law Sue (Mike) Barnes and her brother John Hines. She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Jenny Hines, her brothers Ernie and Howard, her sister Delores Trail, her sons Lanny and Daryl, her grandson Lanny Morris and several brothers and sisters-in-law. As we remember Dotti, we are reminded of the verse from Proverbs 31:28, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Her love and dedication will forever be the cornerstone of their lives.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 11:00 am EDT at the First United Methodist Church, 132 South Oak Street, Buchanan, Michigan, followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm EDT at the same location. Those who knew and loved Dorothy are invited to share memories and upload photos to her memorial page as we celebrate and remember a life lived with love, faith, and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Buchanan. The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Woodland Terrace-Longmeadow and Caring Circle Hospice for the exceptional care and love they gave to Dorothy in her last years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.