Dorothy D. Turner

Dorothy D. Turner, affectionately known as “Dot,” was born May 27, 1935, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Eli and Annie Brown. She was the 16th of 17 children, growing up in a large family that instilled in her a deep appreciation for family, togetherness, and caring for one another. At the age of 12, Dorothy received Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized by Rev. Crosby of Sister Spring Baptist Church in the creek alongside her sister Faye and niece Annette. That early commitment to Christ became the foundation of a life devoted to God, family, and service. Dorothy graduated from R.B. Hudson High in Selma, Alabama and later spent time in Detroit, Michigan, living with her sisters and brothers before eventually moving to Chicago, Illinois, where she began a new chapter of her life. While working at Jackson Park Hospital, Dorothy met Larry Turner. They married on April 3, 1966, and together raised two daughters, Angela and Linda. After marriage and the birth of her children, Dorothy chose to become a stay-at-home mother. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her daughters, as she also lovingly cared for other children in the family. In April 1972, Dorothy and Larry moved their family to 84th and Hermitage, where they would make their home for the next 50 years. They became a staple of the neighborhood and devoted members of the 8400 S. Hermitage and 1700 W. 85th Street Block Club. Dorothy’s seeds of love and kindness extended to neighbors both new and old, and her home became a place of warmth, family, and fellowship. After moving to Hermitage, Dorothy joined Timothy Lutheran Church, where she became an active member of the Ladies Aid Society. Following the closing of Timothy Lutheran, she joined Emmanuel Baptist Church and was excited to once again have a church home with the familiar “down-home feeling” she loved. She became a member of the May Circle, faithfully serving as Treasurer. Dorothy loved attending Sunday School and worship and rarely missed a Sunday. Even when her health began to fade, she remained faithful and continued worshiping through livestream. In 1974, Dorothy began her career at Woodlawn Hospital, where she gained her forever bonus daughter, Luella. She also joined the Woodlawn bowling league. After Woodlawn Hospital closed, she continued her healthcare career at Christ Hospital as a Nursing Assistant in Pediatrics. Caring for the babies brought her great joy and was a natural extension of the nurturing spirit she carried throughout her life. After retiring from Christ Hospital, Dorothy entered a new chapter as a very busy senior. Active was an understatement. She was an Evergreen Park Mall Walker and participated in the Red Hat Society, 10 a.m. Prayer Call Group, Primetimers Bible Study Group, and her beloved 8400 S. Hermitage and 1700 W. 85th Street Block Club. She was also a true Chicago sports fan. The Bulls, Bears, Cubs and White Sox were her teams. She knew the players, followed the games, and especially enjoyed hearing Stacey King commentate during Bulls games. As full as Dorothy’s life was, nothing brought her greater joy than her family. Sunday dinners at Momma’s, family reunions, holidays, birthdays, and gatherings at her home created memories that will be cherished for generations. Dorothy never forgot her roots or the large family from which she came. She remarkably remembered and honored the birthdays of all 16 of her siblings and 48 nieces and nephews. Saturdays were special to Dorothy and were often reserved for phone calls with her special niece, Rosemary “Cookie” Brown. They talked about everything happening back home in Selma and encouraged one another. Dorothy cherished those conversations, and their Saturday tradition continued until the very end. Dorothy treasured her daily quiet time with the Lord. Among her prayers was one special request—that God would allow her to keep her mind. God honored that prayer. Dorothy remained sharp until the very end, remembering names, birthdays, family history, stories, and treasured moments spanning generations. Her life reflected that of a Proverbs 31 woman—faithful, strong, loving, wise, and devoted to her family. Those who were blessed to know Dorothy witnessed a woman whose faith was not simply spoken, but lived. On August 3, 2026, at the age of 91, Dorothy completed her earthly journey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Annie Brown; her 16 siblings; and her beloved granddaughter, Keisha L. Worthington-Martinez. Her family finds comfort in believing that when Dorothy entered her heavenly home, her beloved Keisha was there to welcome Granny with loving arms. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of more than 60 years, Larry Turner; daughters, Angela Susberry (Leonard) and Linda Bledsoe (Loring); grandchildren, Wynter Susberry, Michael Worthington (Alane), Dominique Phelps (Johnathan), Autumn Susberry, Christopher Worthington (Princess), and Summer Susberry; great-grandchildren, Johnathan Jr., Josiah, Makylah, Paisley, Kingston, and Journee; forever bonus daughter, Luella Staine; goddaughter, Nina Muhummud Thompson; special niece, Rosemary “Cookie” Brown; her many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family, neighbors, church family, and treasured friends. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:29

Dorothy D. Turner

May 27, 1935 - August 3, 2026