Dorothy Metcalfe-Shinn's Obituary
Dorothy Metcalfe-Shinn passed peacefully from her life on earth into the presence of God on June 16, 2005. She was born on April 11, 1925 in Dawson, Texas to the late Sherman and Estelle Metcalfe. She lived in Texas until 1965 when she relocated to Washington with her husband, John Shinn, who was stationed at McChord Air Force Base. A highly educated woman, Dorothy attended Langston University in Oklahoma and graduated from Paul Quinn University in Texas with a degree in Secondary Education. After relocating to Tacoma she obtained Masters Degrees in Education and Special Education from Pacific Lutheran University. After teaching elementary school for 36 years in both Texas and Washington, Dorothy retired from Tacoma Public Schools in 1995. Throughout her career, she gifted the classroom with her unwavering enthusiasm and love for language arts. She gave her students a vision, and encouraged them to achieve. Dorothy will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched. She was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for several years. Dorothy accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was a faithful member of the Orchard Street Church of Christ. She monetarily supported many local and national charities but was a long time supporter and contributor to Christian Homes, an organization that provides care to unwed mothers and adoption homes for small children.Dorothy is survived by her husband of 46 years, John Shinn of the home; a son, Philip Wiseman of Tacoma, two daughters, Paula Walker and Peggy Shinn, both of Tacoma, and a brother, Joe Metcalfe in San Francisco, CA. In addition, she has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by a brother, Sherman Metcalfe Jr.Her children would like to honor and express their heart-felt thanks to Dad who spent many endless and tireless hours caring for Mother during the past four years of her life.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Diabetes Association in the name of Dorothy Shinn. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 7:00 PM on June 23, 2005 at the Orchard St. Church of Christ located at 3601 South Orchard in Tacoma.
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