Dorothy Louise Earls' Obituary
Dorothy Louise (Beasley) Earls, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed peacefully at home on the 23rd of September, 2023. She is reunited in Heaven with the love of her life and husband of 72 years, Jack Wayne Earls. Dorothy will always be remembered for her infectious smile and the joy she radiated whenever she was in the company of her family and friends. Her boundless zest for life and the warmth of her spirit touched everyone she encountered.
Dorothy was born on May 11th, 1936 in Bassett, Arkansas to William F. and Zettie Marie (Dorman) Beasley. Dorothy’s passion for life and her ability to dream of a better future helped her overcome the many tragedies she endured as a child. Her mother passed away shortly after she was born, and at the age of 5 three of her siblings were tragically lost in an accident. Her father was unable to care for her and she was eventually taken in by her aunt Emma and moved to Memphis, Tennessee in the mid 1940’s. She attended Humes High School while Elvis Presley was a student there.
Dorothy was living near the Colonial Baking Company in Memphis and was a weekly visitor there when she caught the eye of a delivery driver named Jack Earls. Jack convinced Dorothy to accompany him for an ice cream and she knew right away that Jack was “the one”. Jack felt the same and they were soon married and began a life-long love affair that could only be paused temporarily by Jack’s passing in June of this year.
Dorothy was devoted to her family and children her entire life. It’s said that there is no love like that of a mother, and that phrase describes Dorothy’s devotion to her children perfectly. Once her children were old enough, she dreamed of going back to school to cultivate her own life goals. She dreamed of a career for herself and at the age of 42 started taking classes at Oakland Community College. She earned an LPN license there, and her talent and grit pushed her to continue her studies until she eventually graduated from Oakland University at the age of 50 with a degree in nursing. She served patients for the next 18 years, specializing in mental health services. Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to grow and to fight through the challenges of life is an inspiration for her children and grandchildren. Her impact on the family she loved so intensely is immeasurable.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents William and Zettie Beasley, her siblings, her daughter Janet (Turner) and son Steven, grandson Sammy (Turner) and the love of her life, Jack Wayne Earls. She is survived by her son in law Jimmy Turner, son Jack (Marsha) Earls, son Mike (Summer) Earls, daughter Lisa Lucka, son Lenny (Stacey) Earls, son Jack Elliott Earls, 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and many friends and extended family.
Dorothy Earls’ life was a tapestry of faith, love, compassion and quiet strength that inspired and comforted anyone fortunate enough to know her. While she may no longer be with us in person, she leaves a vibrant legacy that will continue to inspire us all to embrace each day, no matter the circumstances, with a smile, gratitude and grace. May she rest in eternal peace, forever in our hearts.
Visitation Tuesday, October 3rd from 3 to 8pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R. Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071. The ceremony will be held Wednesday, October 4th at 11:00am at the same location. Burial will be at 1:00 pm at Oakview Cemetery 1032 North Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Luncheon location to be announced following the ceremony.
Donations can be made in Dorothy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?
