Dorothy  "DOT"  Thornton was born on August 15, 1941 in a small town in Alabama called Bankhead, which was about 50 miles northwest of Birmingham. At an early age the family relocated to Akron, Ohio where she attended Crosby Elementary School, West Jr High School and graduated from Central High School in 1959.

Dorothy's love of faith, family and sports began early and continued throughout her life. She played sports with her siblings as a child and continued on to play softball and bowl in leagues throughout her adult life. Her career ranged from driving a shuttle car in the coal mines of Alabama to becoming a seamstress who created her own clothes and many beautiful prom & wedding dresses for others. Dorothy's love of sports transitioned to cheering from every stand for her son, Burt, that she enrolled in all sports. She traveled the nation and abroad to support him and his teams in collegiate and professional football at Purdue University & the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. She practiced her Baptist faith for the first 45 years of life before becoming a Jehovah's witness and continued to be a pioneer until her illness slowed her down a bit the past few years. She spent her last few years watching her grandchildren, Darius and DayLynn, play high school and collegiate sports.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Connily and Ellis Mae Perry; sister Christina Perry (late Dorland Vaughn).  She was survived by brothers Connily Perry Jr. (Shirley), Leon Perry (late Sherry), Johnny Perry (Edith), David Perry (Arrie), and Donnie Perry (late Karen); sisters Mary Carney (Lester), Theresa Harper (James), and Twana Butler (David). Her son Burt E. Thornton Jr. (Courtney); grandchildren Darius Thornton and DayLynn Thornton; great-grandchildren Aaliyah and Melani. She will be remembered and sadly missed by her numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and a whole host of friends.