Obituary of Dorothy Ann Willey
Dorothy Ann Holeman was born on August 24, 1940 in Akron, Ohio. She was one of five daughters born to Harvey and Esther (Christy) Holeman. Dorothy graduated from Monroe High School in Monroe, Michigan with the Class of 1958. On May 1, 1959 she wed Benny Sizemore, whom she met in eighth grade. From this union a son and two daughters were born. Dorothy was very independent and never afraid of hard work. She was employed as a secretary at Boss Insurance Agency in Monroe for more than a decade. Dorothy previously worked for the License Bureau at the Monroe County Courthouse and held a host of other positions throughout the years.
Dorothy’s active lifestyle brought her from coast to coast. She lived in Bradenton, Florida for twenty years as well as Gaylord and Caro, Michigan, California, and South Carolina. A baseball fan, she attended games at Tiger’s Stadium and Fifth Third Field to cheer on the Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mudhens. Dorothy was a talented bowler and participated in league play at Monroe Sports Center. She was an avid reader, enjoying mystery and romance novels. When her sight began to decline, Dorothy relied on the Hallmark Channel to get her drama fix.
A fantastic cook and baker, Dorothy could make practically anything. Her family always looked forward to a taste of her homemade apple pies. Dorothy adored her grandchildren and indulged their every whim. If they showed up on her doorstep, she would welcome them with open arms for a sleepover and meal of their choice. A free spirit, Dorothy was outspoken and confident. She lived her life as she wished and wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Dorothy Ann Willey, age 82, of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Saturday; June 17, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a daughter: Esther Wilson in April of 2021; a daughter in-law: Sandra Sizemore; two sisters: Betty Webb and Susan Ax; her husband: Lyle Willey; and former spouse: Benny Sizemore.
To cherish her memory she leaves a daughter: Denise (Kelvin) Doom of LaSalle, Michigan; a son: Adam Sizemore of Toledo, Ohio; five grandchildren: Ryan (Kiara) Doom, Bradley Doom (Felicia Seger), Kelli (Nicholas) Knapp, Cory (Laura) Wilson, and Ben Wilson; fifteen great grandchildren: Brandon, Bailey, Brock, Logan, Audreigh, Aryn, Aliza, Kaden, Warren, Braxton, Henry, Patrick, Faith, Neveah, and Abigail; two great-great grandchildren; and two sisters: Helen Lackey of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Elaine Pfund of Monroe.
A graveside service for Dorothy will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan at a later date. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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