Dorothy A. Burts

Dorothy Anne Burts, 75, of Newington, Connecticut, peacefully transitioned on November 9, 2025, after a courageous 10-year battle with breast cancer. Dorothy faced every challenge with faith, grace, joy, and an unwavering spirit of love that touched everyone around her.
Born on July 8, 1950, in Hartford, Connecticut, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of the late Willie Griffin and Carrie Ruth (Thomas) Burts. She was a proud graduate of Quinnipiac University, and she also earned her Master's degree while balancing her career and her deep commitment to family.
Dorothy dedicated over 20 years of service to Quest Diagnostics, where she began her career as a phlebotomist and worked her way into high-level management. Her professionalism, leadership, and ethics made her a respected figure among her colleagues and within the medical community. Even after retirement, Dorothy continued to work through private consulting, remaining active in the field she loved until her final days.
Dorothy was united in marriage to her loving husband, Jimmy "JK" Knowlin, and together they shared a beautiful life full of travel, laughter, and seafood dinners-her favorite. She was an avid reader and gifted knitter who especially loved mysteries, action films, and sci-fi adventures. Above all, Dorothy cherished her son, Austin, and took great joy in watching him grow and succeed in both sports and life. She was the heart of her family-always there for anyone who needed her, offering her time, support, and wisdom without hesitation. Her kindness, generosity, and steadfast love touched everyone who knew her.
Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Jimmy Knowlin of Newington; her beloved son, Austin Knowlin, and his fiancée Elisha Homich, also of Newington; three brothers: Calvin Boyd and wife Francis Burts of Louisiana, Jimmie Lee Burts of Hartford, and Bradford and wife Ann Burts of Hartford; a sister, Betty (Burts) Jackson and husband John Sr. of West Hartford; a sister-in-law, Sharon Burts, wife of the late Johnnie Burts, of Hartford; two grandchildren: Austin "Ace" Knowlin Jr. and Micah Londonn Knowlin; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Beside her parents, she was predeceased by three brothers: Willie Griffin Jr., Wilbert Lee, and Johnnie Eddie Burts.
Dorothy's life will be celebrated with love and remembrance. Family and friends are invited to attend her wake on Monday, November 17th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Duksa Family Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Avenue, Newington, CT. A Homegoing Service will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, at Bethesda Apostolic Church, 249 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT. There will be a viewing at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Dorothy will be laid to rest near her beloved parents at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, CT.
Dorothy will be remembered as a woman of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love-a guiding light to all who knew her. Her legacy will continue through every life she touched.