Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Dorothy Curry

The spirit of Dorothy Johnson Curry left this world on November 3, 2023, 13 days after observing her 92nd birthday, in Richmond, VA. She died from a hemorrhagic stroke at VCU Medical Center.

Dorothy Johnson married Charles Curry in December of 1952. Following her husband’s death in 1993, the matriarch of the Curry family became an unmarried widow who lived independently for 30 years. She is survived by her brother Oliver Johnson, his wife Vivian Johnson; children Charles Curry, Jr., Diane Curry, and James Curry; grandchildren Traci Amari Curry, and Devin Lamonte Curry; nephew Oliver Johnson, Jr.; niece Rashelle Johnson; cousins Carolyn Poole and Bruce and Carletta Jackson; daughter-in-law Desiree Pernell Curry; great-grandchildren Amani Rae Donawa, her sister Avi Grace Donawa and a host of family and friends.

Prior to her retirement, Ms. Curry was an in-demand nurse’s aide at the prestigious Westminster Canterbury Retirement Community in Richmond.

Ms. Curry’s love for her children and grandchildren was boundless and foremost in her life. She was their fearless protector and role model of excellence, shining a pathway to success in their lives. She was an indomitable spirit who constantly shared her wisdom, high moral character, no-nonsense, tough-love personality and challenged them to always be caring, loving, productive members of society.

Dorothy Johnson attended Maggie Walker High School in Richmond but needed to forego graduation to care for her ailing aunt for an extensive period of time. Over the decades, she repeatedly was summoned to sacrifice her aspirations and willingly used her extensive skills as a caretaker to single-handedly serve the long-term needs of her mother who suffered from Altzheimer’s Disease and later, her husband, who later died of prostate cancer.

Nevertheless, the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews that she raised went on to graduate from high school and college; become a successful Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital Systems IT Services Desk Analyst; an independent Washington, DC based contractor and Power Plant Director at Catholic University; Emmy-nominated FOX5 New York TV Reporter, and Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker.

Variouusly known over the years as “Dot”, “Nannoo”, “Pluto”, “Mema” or “Mumma” to various friends and family members, Ms. Curry was a lifelong member of the 31st Street Baptist Church. The retired nurse’s aide distinguished herself by selling the most tickets each year as the church’s top supporter of the Mayor’s Senior Holly Ball, a Richmond celebration of the Christmas holiday at the Altria Ballroom, where she would enjoy her passion for music.

Well into her eighties, Dorothy Johnson Curry lived alone and maintained her own home, beloved flower garden, and vehicle in Highland Park.

Having fortified the Curry family legacy and devoted almost a century of extraordinary service to history, Dorothy Johnson Curry sadly left us to serve the LORD in eternity. Her beautiful, dignified, powerful presence will always be missed by those of us who knew her, adored her, and were deeply touched by her grace and love. Rest in Peace Mumma.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 13 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. No viewing.

Guest Book

Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to the Curry Family during this most difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace always, Y. Perry

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My deepest and most sincere sympathies are with the Curry family as they navigate through their grief. Rest in peace Dorothy. Love, Gail Reed

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My condolences t o u n Devin n the rest if ur family n this time sorrow stay strong the Lord is there, Man 🙏🙏🙏

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My sincere condolences to u n Devin an the rest of ur family in this time of hurt my prayers go out to all of yall stay strong 🙏🙏🙏

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Our sincere condolences to Cousin Dorothy, her children, and the entire family. We fondly referred to her as Pluto. Our dad, Leroy "Jelly" was so fond of her and whenever they met, they always talked, laughed, and kept it real! Whenever I saw Pluto at 31st Street church, she was always so welcoming and had a warm smile and a hug. She was such a sweet person.

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Sorry for your loss Diane and Devin. When I have met Mrs. Curry she was always a kind, caring and delightful person by nature. RIL

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My sincerest condolences to the Curry family and Mrs. Curry's friends. May God grant her soul to rest in Eternity.

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My sincere condolences to the Curry Family and friends 🙏🏾. Tonya Chesser

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To The Entire Curry Family, Let not your heart be trouble. Ma Curry lived an incredible life, filled with love and admiration. I will always remember the talks in the family room, the lessons on gardening, the laughter, birthdays, and those things Ma Curry, most enjoyed, that was spending time with family. Ma Curry - for now its see you on the other side, where we both can have everlasting peace. To Jim - You are my brother, friend, and the person that I carry in my heart, always. I Love You All, Janine

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA