Dorothy (Woods) Kanion

Dorothy Woods was born in Wesson, Mississippi on February 26, 1926.She was the youngest of 14 children born to Albert and Ada (Knight) Woods.

During her young life, she moved to Chicago, Illinois.On July 10, 1952, Dorothy was united in marriage to Theophlis Kanion, Sr.Together, they raised four children (three daughters and one son) in the City of Chicago.They lived on the South Side until 1993, then moved to Peculiar, Missouri, when they gave up their “city life” to live a more peaceful life raising beef cows and gardening.While living in Missouri, Dorothy pursued her love for helping people learn more about natural living by opening “Nature’s Open Door”, an herbal health food store.She and Theophlis remained married 49 years until he fell asleep in Jesus on December 26, 2001.Dorothy stayed in Peculiar for a few years but moved back to Chicago and lived with her daughter, Brenda McCray, for 7 years.She moved back to Missouri and Kansas for a short period before returning to Chicago again in 2016.

Dorothy had several jobs throughout her adult life, but her most noted one was as an employee for 18 years at Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago.After leaving Johnson Publishing, she would spend time as a homemaker and have various part-time jobs.

Dorothy was baptized as a member of the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chicago in 1969.She was an active member, serving in many roles such as Sabbath School teacher, choir member, and in the treasury.She changed her membership to the Goshen Seventh-day Adventist Church when asked to assist with launching their church after a successful summer evangelistic meeting.She later moved her membership back to Shiloh for a short time until she and Theophlis were asked to help start the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church.She was a member there until they moved to Missouri, where they became active members at the Linwood Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kansas City.Dorothy and Theophlis were constant workers for the Lord.It was their goal to help lead souls to Christ.She re-dedicated her life to Christ and was re-baptized at the Hyde Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2005.She wanted to publicly redeclare her love for Jesus.We know that she is resting in the grave, waiting for the Lord to call her name at His soon return.

Dorothy passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020.She was preceded in death by her parents, 13 siblings and her husband.She is survived by her four children; Joveta Kanion, Brenda McCray, Theo Kanion Jr., and Susette Lunceford (Gregg); seven grandchildren, LaKeisha McCray, Angela McClinton (Michael), Landon Kanion (Shaena), Juanita Farmer (Donald), Kimberly Watson (William), Dylan Lunceford and Hailey Lunceford; 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

The family will receive friends Monday, September 28, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Graveside services will be held Monday, September 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.