Pastor Dorothy Burns

Pastor Dorothy Mae (Bowen) Burns peacefully received her heavenly reward on March 7, 2026, in Saginaw, Michigan, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. A devoted servant of God, beloved matriarch, and faithful shepherd to many, Dorothy lived a life marked by unwavering faith, joyful worship, and a deep love for her family and community.

Dorothy Mae Burns was born September 25, 1946, in Pensacola, Florida, to Elder John L. Bowen Sr. and Voncile Bowen. As a young child, she moved with her family to Saginaw, Michigan, where she was raised and would later build a life rooted in faith, family, and ministry. She graduated from Carrollton High School, where she made history as one of the first African Americans to graduate from the school, a milestone that reflected her quiet strength, determination, and perseverance. In 1966, she married Leon Burns Sr., and with deep love and devotion, she helped build a family that would become one of the greatest blessings of her life. Together, they raised five children and created a strong and loving foundation that continues through generations.

Pastor Burns lived a life fully devoted to the Lord. She faithfully served as an Evangelist, Missionary, and Pastor, dedicating her life to sharing the Gospel and encouraging others to walk with Christ. Through her ministry, prayers, and testimony, she helped draw countless lives to Christ and strengthened many in their faith. With humility and dedication, she helped reestablish and pastor Lighthouse Memorial Ministries in Saginaw, Michigan, the church originally founded by her father, Elder John L. Bowen Sr. Carrying forward the vision he began, she faithfully shepherded the congregation and continued the work of ministry with compassion, strength, and unwavering faith.

Pastor Burns was also a longtime and devoted member of Victorious Believers Ministries Church of God in Christ, where she worshipped faithfully and remained committed to the work of the Lord. Those who knew Dorothy will remember her powerful prayers, joyful spirit, and unwavering faith. Her worship could fill a room, and her encouragement lifted the hearts of many. Whether through song, prayer, or a simple word of wisdom, she had a gift for reminding others that God was always at work and that no matter the circumstance, everything was going to be alright.

Her family also cherishes fond memories of the simple moments that made her so special. She loved fishing, preparing warm corn tortillas on the burner of her stove, and sitting down with a hot cup of tea with cream. These small traditions reflected the warmth and comfort she brought into the lives of those around her.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her husband of more than sixty years, Leon Burns Sr. of Saginaw, Michigan. She is also lovingly remembered by her five children: Leon (Natasha) Burns Jr., Skiry (Jeffrey) Cyborowski, Reginald Burns, Joy (Deroen) Pruitt, and Voncile (Craig) Dillon. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Candace (Karon) Bradley of Houston, Texas; Brittany (Brandon) Williams of Nashville, Tennessee, Indya (Troy) Wright of Tampa, Florida; Reginald Decorrian “Cori” Burns of Saginaw, Michigan, Leon “Tre” Burns III of Detroit, Michigan, Cameron (Sydney) Cyborowski of Brunswick, Ohio, Dyani Strong of Los Angeles, California, Brendon (Aishya) Dillon of San Antonio, Texas; Julian (Morgan) McClenllon of Saginaw, Michigan, Langston Dillon of Harrisburg, Mississippi, and Christian Burns of San Diego, California. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Tyler “Bugzy” Dwyer Jr., Tiger Burns, Tory Wright, Taylor Wright, Kayden Williams, Elijah McClellon, and Ezekiel McClenllon.

Dorothy also leaves to cherish her memory her loving siblings, Patricia Prescott, Geraldine Walker, Elaine Richardson-Cook, Elder Paul (Vickie) Bowen, Jeffrey Bowen, Stacey Bowen, and Brian Bowen; sisters-in-law, Sherley Bowen, Elaine Whitley, and Gerri Bowen, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and esteemed friends who loved her dearly.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father, Elder John L. Bowen Sr.; her mother, Voncile Bowen; brothers, John L. Bowen Jr. and Tyrone Bowen; nephews, Maurice Prescott and Marlow Prescott; and her niece Jazzlyn “Jazz” Townsend.

Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. Dorothy had a generous and nurturing heart and opened her home to many people over the years, taking them in and raising them as her own, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love to those who needed it most, including special children Terrance Richardson, Zipporah Shrophsire, and Abraham “Abe” Bowes.

Pastor Dorothy Mae Burns lived a life defined by faith, love, and service. Her devotion to God never wavered, and her influence will continue through the family she nurtured, the ministry she carried forward, and the many lives she touched along the way. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise that she now rests in the presence of the Lord, whom she loved and served so faithfully. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”