Dorothy H. Calhoun

Dorothy H. “Dottie” (Harvey) Calhoun went to be with her Lord on December 30, 2025. Born on August 8, 1934, she was the beloved daughter of Walter Alexander Harvey and Augusta Emily (Dreger) Harvey, and the twin sister of Dolores (Harvey) Engebrecht. After the passing of her mother to cancer, Dottie was raised by her aunt and uncle on a farm, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work. At age 19, after the death of her father, she and her sister were embraced and cared for by dear family friends Dale and Helen Elliott of Millersburg, Ohio. A proud graduate of Westlake High School, Dottie was Valedictorian, Homecoming Queen, and a national women’s basketball referee. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University in 1956, graduating Cum Laude on a full scholarship. While at Kent, she served as President of Moulton Hall dormitory and Alpha Chi Omega sorority, was a queen attendant for the yearbook and Campus Day Queen’s Court, a Military Ball queen attendant, and was named the Outstanding Senior Woman of Kent State. Throughout her professional life, Dottie wore many hats—county social worker in Kansas, physical education teacher, and substitute teacher. In 1961, she was honored as Chagrin Falls Teacher of the Year. In 1973, she began her tenure with the YMCA of Cleveland and was one of the earliest female Executive Directors in its history. Her passion for service extended into civic life. Dottie was honored with the Key to the City of Solon by Dick Goddard after being named Outstanding Citizen of Solon by the JayCees for her work on the initial organization of the recreation department. Following retirement, Dottie lived in the Pacific Northwest before returning to Twinsburg, Ohio. She rejoined Parkside Church, having been a member since 1980, and dedicated herself to ministry work, grading Bible Study lessons for prisoners through Crossroad Bible Institute. She served as President of her condominium association, member of the Red Hat Society, enjoyed deep friendships, and had a love of learning and technology. Known for her radiant smile, Dottie often quoted, “Smile, no one needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.” She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Leigh Calhoun McWherter (Larry), and son, Barry Dean Calhoun of Florida. She leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Jordan McWherter (Catharine), Nathan McWherter (Jennifer), Hailey Loren McWherter Gonya (Cody), Nicholay Calhoun, Aleksei Calhoun, and Andrei Calhoun, and nine great-grandchildren, along with many dear nieces and nephews. Dottie was deeply grateful for the compassionate care of Katie Bliss (Capital City Hospice), and the devoted friendship of Shirley Clous and Andrea Nemeche. She eagerly and confidently looked forward to going home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dottie’s memory may consider a donation to Truth for Life, P.O. Box 39800, Cleveland, Ohio 44139 or Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60610. Arrangements are being handled by Day Funeral Service. Viewing will be held at Discovery Church, 750 Cross Pointe Rd., STE L, Gahanna, Ohio 43230, on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 4:00pm with service to follow at 5:00pm. A graveside service will be held on January 6, 2026, at 12:00pm at Crown Hill Cemetery, 8592 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087. Pastor Alistair Begg to officiate graveside service. Day Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Calhoun.

Dorothy H. Calhoun

August 8, 1934 - December 30, 2025