Mrs. Dorothy Jean Bruce

A Celebration of the Life of Mrs. Dorothy Jean Funches Bruce Dorothy, known to her siblings as "Di", was born on November 19 in Oak Grove, Mississippi. She was the third child of thirteen children born to Clarence and Frankie Funches. Dorothy gave her life to the Lord in her youth; she was filled with the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. She graduated from Simmons High School in Hollandale, Mississippi, where she was a star basketball player. After graduation Dorothy moved to Chicago, Illinois, but found that Chicago was an unfriendly place and she did not know her neighbors. She relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin after visiting the city. Dorothy attended Manpower Business Training Institute, where she learned data entry, and she attended MATC where she took classes in floral arrangement. Dorothy married her Prince Charming, Elwood Bruce, and they had two children: Justin and Rossalyn. Dorothy was a Data Entry Operator at Milprint and Johnson Controls. She retired as a supervisor from M&I Data Services. In 1976, she recommitted her life to the Lord and became a member of Mason Temple Church, where she attended for many years. She later transferred her membership to Portview Christian Center, and when Pastor Paul Hanson retired, she transferred her membership to North Shore Assembly and served faithfully until she could no longer attend due to illness. As a greeter, she was known for her heart-warming hugs! Another area of ministry Dorothy enjoyed was evangelism. She often took food to and shared the gospel with those less fortunate in the city of Milwaukee. She loved the Lord and she was strong in her faith. Dorothy was full of the joy of the Lord. She was a faithful intercessor. Even while in the hospital, she continued to witness to the unsaved. Dorothy transitioned from this life to new life on June 5, 2015. Her presence will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents: Clarence and Frankie Funches; husband, Elwood Bruce; sister, Bernice and brother,Joseph; stepbrother, Herbert (Sue), Chicago, IL, and stepsister, Wealtha (Rufus). Dorothy leaves to mourn her passing: one son,Justin (Vivian), Cincinnati, Ohio; one daughter, Rossalyn (Alan), McLean, VA; one stepson, Demetrius (Lillian), Milwaukee, WI; six brothers; Clarence Funches, Leesville, LA; Roy (Alma), Chicago, IL; Willie (Frances), Oak Park, IL;James (Opal), Brown Deer, WI; Fragier (Sarah), River Forest, IL; Elwood (Lillian), Chicago, IL; four sisters: Betty (Cesley - deceased) Wright, Milwaukee, WI; Desmar (Calvin) Bruce, Brown Deer, WI; Johnnie (John) Tucker, River Hills, WI; and Shirley (Willie) Tucker, Milwaukee, WI; stepsister Ada (James - deceased) Carter, Itta Bena, MS; two grandchildren; Sean Alexander and Aaron Wesley. She also leaves loving memories to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and special friends: Girthene, Marie, Mavis, Prima, Louise, and Pastor Paul and Monica Hanson.

Mrs. Dorothy Jean Bruce

November 19, 1941 - June 5, 2015