Dorothy Denise McNear

Dorothy Denise McNear transitioned to her heavenly home on January 2, 2020 at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox, IL. She was born July 7, 1945 in Minter City, MS to the late Amos and Bernice Smith. After the death of Dorothy’s Mother, her father remarried and was wedded to Evelyn, (who was affectionately called Mama Evelyn), who helped to raise Dorothy.

Dorothy married the late Earnest Darden and to this union, Evelyn and Earnest were born. After the death of her first husband, she relocated to Illinois in 1966. Dorothy married Robert L. McNear on July 9, 1973. To this union, Robert D., Leon, Robert C, Ardrenna, and Tiffany were born.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers: W.L, Douglas, Murray, Eddie, Jr. and Hansel; one sister: Burnell, and one granddaughter, Canrea. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 46 years, Robert L.; her children Evelyn and Earnest Darden, Robert D., Leon, Robert C., Tiffiny, and Ardrenna Dean. She is also survived by two brothers: James and Alvin Smith; three sisters: Anna V. (Alex) Hamilton, Linda Banks, and Bernice McElrath; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Dorothy was educated in the Mississippi school system. She spent her time cooking, sewing, fishing, listening to music, sitting on her front porch, and making those around her laugh as she told funny stories. She loved attending Worship Service at Mount Moriah Baptist Church and did so until her health begin to decline. She joined The Mount Moriah family under the leadership of the late Pastor James McNear.

Dorothy loved arts and crafts and making beautiful ceramic pieces. She took great pride in assisting Ardrenna in making and assembling lovely arts and craft projects, as well as helping to decorate and display those gorgeous arrangements. She had an insatiable appetite in caring for and loving animals, particularly her dog ‘Diamond’ and ‘Sassy,’ who is Tiffiny’s pet. She has owned and had a keen interest and enthusiasm as an avid lover of doves, rabbits, cockatiels, parakeets, and fish.

Dorothy made fantastic cornbread that left you wanting more. Among her great passions were to adorn herself in fashionable attire, attractive and dazzling jewelry, and well-manicured nails. Many will remember her for having worked as a cashier at The Mississippi Store in Joliet on Cass Street for many years. Other jobs that she held were CNA, Caretaker, Babysitter, and Homemaker. Of all of these, she truly enjoyed being a homemaker as she directed and orchestrated her kitchen and home environment.

Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. She had a kind heart, a loving smile and a great spirit, and God was the center of her joy. She was a woman and symbol of great strength, wisdom, virtue, courage, and affection. She loved her family and especially her children and grandchildren.

Dorothy did not have just one favorite person in her life; everyone was special and had a special place in her heart. She encouraged those who needed encouragement; she supported those who desired support. She was a tough and feisty lady. She remained to be joyful, happy and comical even during her illness. Besides, her faith and trust in God was forever unchanging. She believed God was the provider of her strength. She was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends. She will forever be missed. We believe she is now resting in the arms of her Saviour! Sleep on dear wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, fellow church member and get your rest! We love you, but God loves you best!

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Silver Cross Hospital, her home health care nurse, Marie, and her caretakers: Cousin, Rose Mae Carter, and her granddaughter Porschia Young for their support.

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