Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy Johnson was a thoughtful and generous woman who lived a long and fulfilling life. She was a woman with an abiding faith that brought her vast amounts of both joy and peace throughout her life.

The 1920s were predominantly a time of growth and expansion in the United States as industry was booming to meet the demands of the average American consumer who was often buying on credit for the very first time. Thanks to advancements in production like the assembly line, products such as radios and automobiles were more readily available. It was during this time of prosperity that Theodore and Stella (Kolenda) Johnson welcomed the birth of their daughter, Dorothy Jane, on August 1, 1925. Dorothy was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as one of four children in her family including siblings Bob, Jerry, and Sharon. She was raised in the family home on Lee Street in Wyoming and attended local schools.

After graduating from Lee High School, Dorothy was ready to enter the workforce. She initially worked in at Jacobsen's in the dress department. She and her friend, Nicky had a lovely apartment on Paris SE, where they entertained frequently. She had a friend who was a hairstylist who frequently used Dorohty as his model because of her thich beautiful hair. Later she moved to Florida where she worked for several years as well. Eventually, Dorothy moved back to Michigan and found a job at the General Motors plant on Burlingame where she remained for 30 years before retiring. In her younger years she enjoyed extensive travel with her friends.

Although work was a necessary part of Dorothy’s life, there was certainly more to her life than just work. She loved her standard French poodle, Gigi, and she also loved to read. Family was of great importance to Dorothy and although she never had any children of her own, she delighted in her nephews. In fact, she rarely missed an opportunity to spoil them generously.

In so many ways, Dorothy was such a special woman, which made her so easy to love, too. She was very much a perfectionist as evidenced by her precise cross stitchery and immaculately kept prized flower garden. As a child of the Great Depression during the thirties, Dorothy learned to appreciate the value of absolutely everything no matter how minute. As a result, she was very frugal and rarely threw anything away. Dorothy also had a nurturing spirit and during her mother’s later years, Dorothy moved in with her to tenderly care for her growing needs.

With a life that spanned many years, Dorothy Johnson brought light and life to the world around her. She rarely traveled, but was most comfortable in her own home. Dorothy enjoyed the companionship of her precious Gigi, as well as the love she shared with her beloved family. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Dorothy J. Johnson of Grand Rapids died on January 7, 2010. Dorothy’s family includes her brother, Gerald (Dottie) Johnson; brother-in-law, Keith (Karen) Brower; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert (Ruth) Johnson; and sister, Sharon (Johnson) Brower. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW with interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visit with Dorothy’s family and friends for one hour prior to service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook or make a memorial contribution to the American Lung Association, 2122 Health Dr SW, Suite 230, Wyoming, MI, 49519.