Ms. Dorothy Marie Johns was born on February 17, 1931, on a farm south of Higginsville, MO to Rose and Paul Johns. Dorothy was one of five children, two brothers, Billy Jo and Richard, and two sisters Faye and Wanda. She went to school and graduated from Higginsville High School in 1950. On June 3, 1950, she and William Junior Anderson were married. Four boys were born from this union: Wayne, Larry, Ronnie, and Darrell. Dorothy and Bill shared a wonderful life together until his death in 1983.
Dorothy worked on the apple orchards, at Dunbar and as a seamstress. Dorothy lived her life around the Higginsville, Mayview, and Richmond areas. Dorothy was a socialite. She loved dancing, visiting with friends and family, going to the casinos, and being a second mother to her little sister Wanda. You could always find Dorothy hanging out at her children’s homes, whether it was for a fish fry or to watch a football game. She loved going out to eat for her birthday, going to family reunions, attending her grandchildren’s or great-grandchildren’s school functions, or enjoying life with Wanda. Later in life, she discovered how to use FaceTime which enabled her to connect with her grandchildren living in a different state. She absolutely loved life and would give it 100 percent no matter what obstacle she was facing.
It was mentioned that it was appropriate that she passed on the day that epitomizes love, because she was well loved and wanted to be reunited with the love of her life. Nothing could be truer. She will be missed by all.
Dorothy is survived by her four boys, her sister, Wanda, sister-in-law, Patty, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her two brothers, one sister, and one great-grandchild.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cotton Creek Cowboy Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M., with services to follow at 3:00 P.M. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Richmond. Please remember to share your memories of Dorothy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
