Dorothy Annabelle Early

EARLY, DOROTHY ANNABELLE "DOTTIE" Kalamazoo, Michigan Dottie lived the last of her days and weeks surrounded by many who cared deeply for her. Dottie filled her days with a never ending zest for life. She was born June 21, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late George Washington Luigart and Cleo Francis Carlton. Dottie's formative years were spent on Gun Lake with her grandparents, Charles and Nettie Carlton. She was the organizer of activities, always on the go, never idle, and ultimately strong. By profession, Dottie was an elementary school teacher who taught both in Kalamazoo and in Germany, where she spent a year teaching the children of servicemen who were still stationed overseas after WWII. Dottie graduated from Martin High School and earned both her undergraduate degree and Master's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Dottie married Vincent (Jack) Early in 1958. They lived a happy life together until his death in 2001. She lovingly became the mother of his three children, Pam, Robin, and Thad. Dottie is known for her sense of style and fashion, love of gardening, creativity in arts and crafts, and passion for music. She loved the outdoors, birds, flowers, animals (especially dogs) her family, and Gun Lake. Dottie cared deeply for those who were less fortunate than herself and contributed to the Kalamazoo community by volunteering for Bronson Hospital, the First Presbyterian Church, the United Way, and the Kalamazoo Symphony. She is survived by her children Pamela Phillips, Robin Early Gage, and Thad Early; her sister, Lora Luigart Patton and children; cousin Gloria Landman, her husband Rocky Landman, and sons, William and Stephen Wilson; Trudy Early; and niece, Carole Cupps and her family. Services for Dottie will be held on Monday, October 7, 2:00 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo.