Dorothy L. Gerner

Dorothy (Dotti) L Gerner, age 94, Newburgh, Indiana, passed away January 8, 2023.

Dorothy Love was born in Belmont, NC, graduated from High Point University and Scarritt College for Christian Workers.  She and Henry Gerner married in 1952.

She served as Director of Christian Education in Boston, MA (where she met Henry), Berkeley, CA, Bowling Green, OH.  She taught elementary school in East Wareham, MA and created a private Kindergarten for faculty children at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC.  In Columbus, OH. She was also the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of the Indiana Heart Association in Indianapolis.

She came to Indianapolis in 1975 and in 1979 began as Director of Christian Education at North United Methodist Church; this later expanded into parish and pastoral care.  In 1982, she helped establish what became the Mid-North Shepherd’s Center.  For years, she served on the national Board of Shepherd’s Centers of America.

She actively participated in the groups Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, United Women in Faith, and Stephen Ministries.

She was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister in 1977, chairing the S. Indiana Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry for eight years and on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for 11 years, chairing several Continuing Education committees.

During retirement, she worked in areas of justice for persons marginalized by society, against wars and violence, and persons treated unfairly anywhere.  She enjoyed traveling, gardening and Elderhostels.

Following Henry’s passing in 2008, she found love again with long-time family friend Paul McClure.  In 2016, they were joined together in spiritual matrimony, which continued until Paul’s passing in 2021.

She moved to Newburgh, IN at that point to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah (Misty) J. Gerner, sisters Maxine Edwards, Betty Hunsucker, and Francis Love; her brother Harold Love; her husband Henry Gerner, and spouse Paul McClure, Sr.

Surviving Dorothy are her son Mark and wife Nancy; granddaughter Elizabeth Wilson and grandson William Montgomery, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.

A celebration service will be held at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.  A time of visitation with family members will take place prior to the service in the North UMC fellowship hall, 12 noon-1:45 p.m.

For those who so choose, gifts in memory may be sent to North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., 46208, or the Mid-North Shepherd’s Center, 3808 N. Meridian St., 46208.