Dorothy Moxon

Dorothy Dell Haney entered this world on June 10, 1924, the youngest child of Robert and Katy Belle Haney. Born in rural Zephyr Hills, Florida, Dorothy began her life on a small farm alongside her older siblings, Ralph, Ernest, Winfred, Flora, and Omagene. From an early age, Dorothy’s loving, spirited nature was evident, along with a resiliency which was put to the test early in her life. Her beloved mother had passed away when Dorothy was only 3 years old. In the absence of her mother, Dorothy learned quickly to cook, clean, sew expertly, and run a household; skills she would lovingly use to bless her family and friends over and over again during her life.

While Dorothy was still young, her father moved the family to Kinder, Louisiana where the family settled and she would remain until she was 22. It was here that Dorothy came to know her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while under the care of her Sunday school teacher, Wanda. Her love for her Redeemer only fueled her love for others, and continued to cultivate a heart of graciousness and tenderness in the young girl. It was also here that Dorothy would meet 2 of her lifelong friends. The 3 young girls formed a close bond as they grew up, and became known for their collective spunk, fun-loving natures, and the unique nickname each member of the trio was given.

Dorothy continued to live in Kinder until she temporarily moved to Chicago at the age of 18 to live with her sister and brother-in-law while her father was working away from home in Texas. Here, in Chicago, Dorothy met the man she would love, marry, and live faithfully with for 65 years – Milton Russell Moxon. At that time, Milton was living with his brother in Chicago and, unbeknownst to Dorothy, had heard of a beautiful girl living just a few doors down. He had yet to meet her, until one summer day as Dorothy was returning to her apartment after washing her hair, the two met on the stairs. As Dorothy would later tell the story, she was terribly embarrassed to be caught with her hair wet, but Milt would only recall the beautiful, long, black locks of hair adorning Dorothy’s head, her winning smile, and sparkling eyes. The two soon began dating and fell in love, but it was now 1942, and World War II had reached into every corner of the globe, as well as every aspect of daily life. Milt was drafted and sent overseas in 1943, where he would spend 2 years fighting in the United States Army. Throughout, Dorothy’s love remained faithful, and her “war-time letters” came to Milt consistently, bringing a bit of joy and home even to foreign soil. When Milt was wounded and returned to the U.S. in 1945, Dorothy came to visit and later wrote to him that she was no longer afraid to say good-bye, because now she knew he would be coming home safely to her. Finally, after 4 long years, the two were married on June 22, 1946 in Kinder, Louisiana in a small, country-church wedding. Afraid that Milt would not be able to attend and finish college, his parents had asked them to wait, but Dorothy knew she could be a better help and support to Milt if they married, and promised him she would see him get his degree. She made good on her promise and the couple moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Milt earned his Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Their first two children, James and Douglas, were born during that time. The couple would move several times during the early years of their marriage. While living in Saginaw, Michigan, another son, Paul, was born to the family.

Dorothy’s love for children was evident in raising her 3 boys, but her open arms did not end with her own children. The couple opened their hearts and home to foster children over the course of 3 years, caring for more than 30 newborn babies in need of love as they waited to be adopted through the Baptist Children’s home. Dorothy also had a special place in her heart for those with special needs or disabilities. Her joyful spirit, sparkling eyes, and tender words would often elicit smiles and hugs from severely disabled children who otherwise would rarely smile or allow others to touch them, including Clark Colburn, a child of good friends, born with Downs’ Syndrome with whom she had a special relationship for over 25 years. She always enjoyed working with children, including a life-long love for working in the church nursery, as well as occasionally working in children’s Sunday school.

As her boys grew and married, Dorothy’s love grew with them, extending to her daughters-in-law, her 8 grandchildren and their spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren. Story-time, rides on the back-yard tire swing, and cuddling with “Grandma” were treasured special moments. Never one to cry easily, Dorothy rarely shed tears, except when she fervently prayed for her loved ones to know and walk with the Savior she loved so dearly. Nothing gave her greater joy than to know that her children walk in the truth!

Dorothy’s love extended far beyond her immediate family as well, as she and Milt welcomed into their lives several single missionaries, opening their home and bringing them into their family without reserve. In 1993, Dorothy and Milt traveled on a short-term mission trip to Papua, New Guinea with one of these missionaries, a young woman named Pat, whom Dorothy lovingly considered her daughter. She often sewed for missionaries, Youth Haven Camp (for children), the Baptist Children’s Home in St. Louis, Michigan, as well as other ministries.

Throughout her life, Dorothy’s graciousness and warmth blessed her friends and family in countless ways. Her expertise as a seamstress was often used to provide for family and loved ones. Nothing delighted her more than to use her gift of sewing to provide for nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as friends. She also took joy in painting ceramics and giving these hand-crafted items to those she loved. Meal times were always joyful in Dorothy’s household. Her skills in cooking and baking resulted in several “famous” recipes, and the love she poured into providing for others made times around the dinner table full of treasured memories.

On November 11, 2011, Dorothy Dell Moxon peacefully left this world behind, and entered the presence of her Lord and Savior. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Milton, her three sons, Jim, Doug, and Paul and their spouses, her 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Even more, she leaves behind a legacy of love, graciousness, and a life lived to the glory of her Redeemer.

Mrs. Dorothy D. Moxon, age 87, passed away Friday, November 11, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Milton; children, James and Joan Moxon, Douglas and Sharon Moxon, Paul and Camille Moxon; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank Moxon, Marian and Oscar Carlson, Virginia and Maynard Anderson, Alice and Robert Nelson, Patricia Martin and many nieces and nephews. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and for one hour prior to the service Thursday at 11AM at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd NW. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Childrens Home, 354 West St Suite 1, Valparaso, IN, 46383 or The Gideons, Kent Northwest Camp, PO Box 140422 Grand Rapids, MI 49514. You may read Dorothy’s lifestory, sign the guestbook or make a memorial contribution by visiting www.lifestorynet.com