Dorothy Curry

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.