Dorothy Fulks died at home on July 23, 2020. Dorothy Lum Fulks was born in Drew, Mississippi on May 8, 1927. She was the daughter of Sidney Edward and Erma Ellen (Evans) Lum.
She married John Harvey Fulks in 1945, and they moved to Kansas in 1949. John and Dorothy had five children: Ellen, Sharon, Linda, Nancy, and John.
She became a teacher and taught first at Nickerson Elementary, then at McCandless Elementary until her retirement after 37 years. Her students still remember her unique lessons on bread making, butter churning, and sewing.
Dorothy was an avid reader and a life-long learner, taking classes during summers, on weekends, and by correspondence to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees from Emporia State University. She continued to add to her knowledge, even after receiving her college degrees; studying nature to become a Master Gardener, learning Japanese, Spanish, and Russian languages, even touring Russia and Europe with her husband, John.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 60 years. She was a member of Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild, inspiring the members with hundreds of quilts created and given to many. She joined the Honorary Teacher's sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, and was a member for over 50 years.
Survivors include: children, Ellen (Joe) Wixom, Tucson, AZ, Sharon Fulks, Gardner, Linda (Jim) Parker, Hutchinson, Nancy (Louis) Crowl, Salina, John (Peggy) Fulks, Divide, CO; grandchildren, Laura, Jeremy, Charlie, Jenni, and Melissa; and great-grandchildren, Tobias and Colin (Nancy), Chandler, Daemon, Derrick, Jaelyn, Maddi, and Jake (John).
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, John, of 60 years; as well as her parents; eight sisters; and two brothers.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Jeanine Rishel officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2020, with the family present from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Dorothy’s family and friends who are unable to come, may watch the service here.
Memorials may be made in her honor to the Hutchinson Public Library’s Children’s Department, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.