October 14, 1929 – January 16, 2023
Wife of Rev. Joy E. Arthur, Dorothy Lee (Brown) Arthur, age 93 of Midland, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023 at her residence. Dorothy was born in Adams, County, Indiana in 1929. At the age of 5 she moved to Midland with her parents, Dewitt and Grace (Johnson) Brown. She graduated from Midland High School in 1948, and was employed as Court Stenographer in Probate Court at Midland County Court House, followed by a secretary at Dow Chemical Co, and Radio Corp. of America in Indiana.
In 1957 she changed careers and entered the teaching profession with degrees from Taylor University and Ball State University in Indiana. In 1988 she retired from 25 years of teaching in Indiana and Michigan Public Schools. She enjoyed her country home located west of Midland, all of the Michigan Seasons, a daily walk or bike ride, summertime flower gardens, and wintertime reading by the fireplace. Dorothy maintained friendships with colleagues in retired teachers, Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, the American Association of University Women, Wednesday Readers Book Review, and The United Methodist Church.
Dorothy and Joy enjoyed their retirement years. Together they grew a big vegetable garden, and Dorothy took special care of her hostas and flower garden. Together they were advocates for peace and justice at home and abroad. Dorothy lived by this scripture “act justly, love mercy, walk humbly – Micah 6:8
On October 15, 1949, Dorothy married Rev. Joy Arthur in Midland and after 72 years of marriage, he passed away on July 18, 2022.
Surviving is her daughter, Spring Joy (Tom) Jackson of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Noah S. Arthur of Midland, Philip W. Jackson of Atlanta, Sarah Jackson (Josh) Frost of Chapel Hill, NC; great-grandson Connor Jay Frost; sisters, Helen M. Smith, Berniece Pelton all of Midland. In addition to her parents and Husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Arthur; brother, Ed Brown; brothers-in-law, RJ Pelton and Lloyd Smith.
Funeral services for Dorothy will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 315 Larkin St., Midland, MI 48640, with Rev. Jung Eum Yum officiating. Interment will be in Homer Township Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the Wilson Miller Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd., Midland, MI 48640, on Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be directed to Non-Violent Peace Force, 2610 West University Ave, Suite #550, St. Paul, MN. 55114 Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network, P.O. Box 2521, Midland, MI. 48640
Condolences can be given on the funeral home tribute wall. Visit www.wilson-miller.com
Last Updated on October 31, 2023