Dorothy Jewell Burgess of Norfork, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on October 15, 2025, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of 98. Born on October 24, 1926, in Delaplaine, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Ernest and Mary Moore Collins. Dorothy married Ray Burgess on October 14, 1944, in Pocahontas, Arkansas. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her work as a beautician and was deeply involved in her community.
In 1996, Dorothy made her home in Norfork after relocating from St. Louis, Missouri. Her commitment to preserving history was evident through her active membership in the Historical Society in both Missouri and Arkansas. Among her many passions, she cherished gardening, cooking, traveling, and dancing, which brought joy to her and those around her.
Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her sons, Terry (Terry) Burgess of Salem, MO, and Michael (Barbara) Burgess of High Ridge, MO. She leaves behind a legacy that includes eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as her cherished brothers, Larry Collins and Charles Collins, and sister, Louise Devore.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray, her son Jerry Burgess, her brother James Collins, and four sisters: Fayetta Meredith, Elwanda Clayton, Glenna Swink, and Clora Russom.
Dorothy's spirit and warmth will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her loving family and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 10:00 am until service time, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Galatia Cemetery, in Norfork, Arkansas.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
600 Hospital Dr PO Box 346, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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