Dorothy Larhue

Dorothy Burkett LaRhue affectionately known as Dot or Na Na was born on December 30, 1929, in Columbia, South Carolina, the youngest of three children born to Mary Burkett (1908-1948). She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Burkett Harmon, and her brother, Nathaniel Burkett. As a child, Dorothy enjoyed life in Richland County and Irmo, South Carolina, alongside her siblings and many cousins. At the age of 10, Dorothy contracted Polio, a disease for which there was no treatment or cure at the time. Despite this, she never let it hinder her, growing into a beautiful young woman who lived an outstanding and full life. Around the age of 12, Dorothy moved to Baltimore, MD, with her mother, Margaret, and Nathaniel, to receive treatment for her Polio at John's Hopkins Hospital. She was one of only eight individuals in Maryland at the time to have the condition and receive treatment. She was fortunate to be treated with HeLa Cells from Henrietta Lacks, a treatment believed to have contributed to her long and rewarding life, extending well into her 90s. While attending public school in Baltimore, MD, Dorothy met a handsome young man named Vernon LaRhue, who affectionately pulled her long, coal-black hair, which reached her waist. Years later, at the age of 18, Dorothy and Vernon reconnected and fell in love. Vernon LaRhue, Sr. and Dorothy Burkett married in Baltimore, MD, in 1948. Their union produced six children: Vernon T. LaRhue Jr., Bernardette Mary LaRhue-Wardlaw, Nathaniel Billy LaRhue, Robert Franklin LaRhue Sr., Terry David LaRhue (who preceded her in death), and Sandra Jeannine LaRhue. Dorothy was a fiercely protective, dedicated, and loving mother to her children until the very end, raising them to be upstanding citizens despite her handicap. Dorothy worked diligently, holding several cleaning jobs and working at Krueger's Department Store for 15 years while raising her children.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Vernon (Junior) LaRhue, Bernardette Wardlaw, Nathaniel (Nay) LaRhue, Robert (Robbie) LaRhue Sr., and Sandra (Sandy) LaRhue. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Maxine Dyett, Vernon (Tommy) LaRhue III, Dwayne (Wayne) Wardlaw, Nicole (Nikki) LaRhue, Sharelle LaRhue-Rose, Chantel Woods-Scott, Robert (JR) LaRhue Jr., Ivy LaRhue, preceded her in death and Shardae Freeman. Dorothy is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She shared a special bond with her adopted grandsons and grand daughter, Michael Scott, Sam Rose, Robin LaRhue and Levar Lewis, Jr. Her one and only nephew Raymond Burkett (preceded in death)
Dorothy held a special bond and love for her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law: Sharon LaRhue, Ida LaRhue, Sandra Wade, Mitchell Wardlaw, Tina LaRhue and David Freeman. Special Cousins Naomi Overstreet, Bobby Burkett, Cassie, Kay, Joanne, Patricia and Martha (Jeannette Mother). Special family friends Vivian, Vernon, Cynthia Floyd, Denise Bruce, Ruth Beverly, Mary Spriggs, Doris Tillman, Esthell Alston and many, many more. Beautiful friends Juanita Steward, Mary Talbot, Mary Johnson, Estel Alston, Bea and Buster Johnson (Preston).
She was a beloved and adored individual who naturally drew people to her like her grandchildren. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren who selflessly cared for their grandmother. Their sacrifices ranged from bringing meals and assisting with morning, evening, or night preparations to running errands or simply sharing coffee while watching game and talk shows.