Dorothy Sullivan

Dorothy M. (Shoemaker) Sullivan, 93, of Carnarvon Circle departed this life on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Mercy Medical Center.  Born in Savannah, GA, she was the daughter of George Shoemaker and Cammie Arvinger.  Although her life journey brought her to Springfield, Massachusetts where she lived happily for 70 years, she also lived and worked in New York prior to relocating here.  She had been employed at the International Garment Workers as a seamstress, worked as a Nutritionist at The Early Childhood Centers, and in later years rounded out her career as a Direct Care Worker with MultiCultural Services.  The Canaan Baptist Church of Christ was her church home where she sang with the Voices of Promise Choir, Women's Ministry, the Inspirational Saints of Canaan, Social Services Ministry, and the Church Women United Board.  Dorothy was one of the founding members and President of The Springfield Sophisticates Club.  She was the beloved Matriarch of the family that “Nana” built.  Dorothy loved family gatherings, gospel music, enjoyed dancing and was known to rock the dance floor.  In 1991, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Eugene Sullivan and later by three grandchildren, Sabura Sullivan, Yusuf Sullivan, and Norman Hankins Jr.  Her legacy includes her children and their spouses, Marva Hankins of Springfield, Glenn E. Sullivan (Earline) of Springfield, Carolyn Sullivan Hill (Braddock) of East Point, GA, Ricky J. Sullivan ( Earlene) Douglassville, GA, Cheryl D. Jones (Benjamin) of Ellington, CT, and Tammie M. Terry (James) of Springfield;  as well as her two sisters-in-law, Gladys Williams and Betty Sullivan;  her grandchildren, Cammie Griffin, Kimberly Hankins, Todd Hankins, Julian Hankins, Azim Sullivan, Maryam Sullivan, Raymond Hill, Alan Hill, Eric Hill, Terrick Sullivan, Howard Sullivan, Ariel Ellis, Rashonda Black, Andre Ambrose, Alia Ambrose, Bethany Johnson, and Mia Terry;  28 great-grandchildren;  8 great-great-grandchildren;  a host of nieces and nephews;  and a longtime dearest friend, Luzetta Terry to cherish her memory.  A forever thanks to “The Ladies”, Sheila, Janet, Carrie, and Joy, who provided companionship and loving care to our Mother- Dottie-Nana.  Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic services will be private.  Donations in Mrs. Sullivan's memory may be made to the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

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