Dorothy May Vary

Dorothy May Vary, a cherished matriarch and devoted servant of her community, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 5, 1928, in Aiken, South Carolina, Dorothy lived a life filled with love, purpose, and remarkable dedication to her family, faith, and community. She was the beloved daughter of the late Moses Harrison and Maggie Bailey Harrison Cole. Dorothy's life was a testament to her resilient spirit and unwavering faith. In 1940, she embraced her lifelong journey with Christ by being baptized at Old Storm Baptist Church. Following her move to Detroit in 1941, she became a vital member of the Friendship Baptist Church, where her passion for serving others shone brightly. Over the years, Dorothy's commitment to her faith community saw her take on numerous roles, including serving on the Usher Board, choir, and as President of the Young Matrons. Her dedication extended to her leadership roles in the Department of Missions at multiple churches, including Second Baptist Church and Renaissance Baptist Church, which she helped establish in 1982. In 1947, Dorothy married Elijah McNeil, Jr., and together they raised four children: Vaughn, Randy, Linda, and Ronald. After Elijah's passing, she found love again and married Anthony Vary, Jr. in 1972. Her family expanded with the addition of her cherished daughter-in-law, Jacqueline McNeil, and she delighted in the joys of being a grandmother to Eric Jackson, Matthew McNeil, Andrew McNeil, Jennifer Miller, Yvonne McNeil, and several blended grandchildren, as well as a great-grandmother to Latea, Kayla, Theodore, Alyssa, Azalea, Denard, and great-great-grandson Augustus. Dorothy's professional life was equally inspiring. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Harper Hospital and later became a Senior Aide Supervisor for the City of Detroit. Her educational accomplishments, including a B.A. in Social Gerontology from Madonna College in 1976, underscored her dedication to personal growth and serving others. Dorothy's compassion extended beyond her immediate community. Her mission work took her on tours to Haiti, West Africa, Korea, China, Italy, England, Singapore, and Japan, reflecting her boundless generosity and global perspective. She was also a world traveler, visiting places such as Hawaii, London, Greece, Vancouver, Jamaica, and Alaska. Known for her quiet and unassuming nature, Dorothy was a beacon of love and kindness to all who knew her. Her special friend, Evelyn Singleton, and a host of family and friends will remember her fondly for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith. A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 3900 Beaubien St. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in honor of Dorothy's lifelong commitment to helping others. Dorothy May Vary's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched.