Obituary for Dorothy Jean James (Johns)
Passed away, after a valiant battle against illness, on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020, at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. Dorothy Jean James of Tillsonburg and formerly of St. Marys, Ontario in her 73rd year. Born in Exeter, daughter of the late Norman Johns (1997) and the late former Helen “Jean” Stephens (2006). Dorothy was full of love and dedication to her family. Predeceased by her beloved husband (past Waterloo Region Police Chief) David James (2004). Much loved mother and mother in-law of: Mike Lawson (Kellie) and Marcy Frehner. Predeceased by a son Mark Lawson (2010) (survived by his wife Vicki). Also survived by three step-children: Kevin James, Melanie (Gary Shoeweniess) and Christine James-Truan. Dorothy will always be missed by her 18 loving grandchildren and 11 special great-grandchildren. Survived by two brothers: John Johns (Marg) and Steve Johns (Joan) and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dorothy was a dedicated R.N.A. at the St. Marys Memorial Hospital for 20 years. In Tillsonburg she was a devoted member of the North Broadway Baptist Church, where she was an ardent and steadfast member. Dorothy had a real passion for singing, especially with her beloved “Heart to Heart” group. She will be sadly missed by her many friends at the North Broadway Baptist Church and co-volunteers at the Helping Hand Food Bank in Tillsonburg.
A public memorial service to Celebrate Dorothy’s Life is being planned at a later date and will take place at the North Broadway Baptist Church in Tillsonburg. Details will be announced in the future. Arrangements have been entrusted, with confidence to the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg. On Dorothy’s tribute page (at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com), relatives, former neighbours and friends are invited to share their favourite photos, memories, express condolences or make memorial donations in honour of Dorothy to the “North Broadway Baptist Church,” or the “Helping Hand Food Bank,” or the “London Health Sciences Foundation” or to any charity of your choice, through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes (519-842-4238).
“Although you cannot hear her voice or see her smile no more, your mother walks beside you still just as she did before. She listens to your stories and she wipes away your tears; she wraps her arms around you and she understand your fears.
It’s just she isn’t visible to see with human eye, but talk to her in silence and her spirit will reply. You’ll feel the love she has for you – you’ll hear her in your heart; she’s left her human body but your souls will never part.”
A public memorial service to Celebrate Dorothy’s Life is being planned at a later date and will take place at the North Broadway Baptist Church in Tillsonburg. Details will be announced in the future. Arrangements have been entrusted, with confidence to the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg. On Dorothy’s tribute page (at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com), relatives, former neighbours and friends are invited to share their favourite photos, memories, express condolences or make memorial donations in honour of Dorothy to the “North Broadway Baptist Church,” or the “Helping Hand Food Bank,” or the “London Health Sciences Foundation” or to any charity of your choice, through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes (519-842-4238).
“Although you cannot hear her voice or see her smile no more, your mother walks beside you still just as she did before. She listens to your stories and she wipes away your tears; she wraps her arms around you and she understand your fears.
It’s just she isn’t visible to see with human eye, but talk to her in silence and her spirit will reply. You’ll feel the love she has for you – you’ll hear her in your heart; she’s left her human body but your souls will never part.”