Myrtle Bell Dunn 82, September 17th 1934 – April 7th 2016
Predeceased by mother May Bell Simmons, father Oscar Williams Simmons, husband Andrew Jackson Dunn, and Brothers Al Simmons, Morris Simmons, Ted Simmons, Clede Simmons
Survived by daughters Carrol Viera, Shirley Oberg, Martha (husband Dan) Turman, Marilyn (husband Ron) Rainwater, Samantha (husband James) Cavanaugh, Betty Berkowski, and son Ted (wife Sharon) Dunn, grandchildren Wendy (husband Randy) Lingo, Michael (wife Tiana Turman), Ron Rainwater, Tim Richardson, Benjamin Richardson, Tonya Berkowski, Tiffany Johnson, Angie (husband Rafael) Chavez, Lisa (husband Joseph) Nicosia. Other survivors include great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Anyone who knew Maw Dunn knew her energy. She was a kind hearted woman, always in a pretty good mood not too much in life got her down. She never had much but she surely made the best out of what she did have. She was good at repurposing everything and lived a simple lifestyle. She loved to make and fix things. She made sure everyone around her had the essentials they needed. She loved to feed everyone and no one ever went hungry.
Her favorite and only son Ted was her pride and joy and she lit up whenever he would come to visit. His given job was to make sure "them girls didn't hurt each other" when they would fight.
She had many words of wisdom and advice for everyone she ever met. She always told the girls "Don't wrestle with the boys, you'll always end up pregnant." Other advice included "keep a penny, never be broke" "always wear clean breeches and wipe your tail!" "Never give away nothing sharp always make em pay a penny."
She loved lots of things: fishing, fish fry, candy, garage sailing, "pinger-rings" (penguins), oranges, soap operas, writing and receiving letters, strawberry shakes, night gowns, "tarcos" (tacos), visiting (especially brother Fuz), baby dolls, oatmeal cookies, marigolds and she always only loved just one man Jay Bird Dunn.
She always wore an apron and was known for her treasures in the kitchen like biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, fish, huge oatmeal cookies, and veggie soup.
It is with love we remember when she would call out to one of the kids and run through a whole list of names before she gave up and said " you know who I mean!" or chase down one of the "Cock eyed little heathens and give em some hickory tea." She kept everyone in line because someone had to.
We live on with memories of her and the times we have spent together in our hearts and may we all be reunited someday. Her song may have ended but the melody lingers on…
Graveside Funeral Service Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Shirland Cemetery, located at the corner of Boswell and Forest Preserve Roads. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .