Mrs. Dolly Jo LaFrenier

Dolly Jo Burwell LaFrenier passed away peacefully on August 19 th , 2025, surrounded by her family. Dolly was born February 4 th , 1956, in Harbor Springs, Michigan to the late Mervin “Jim” and Shirley Burwell. Dolly spent most of her life in Michigan, where she met her husband in Lake George, and the latter half of her life in Theodore, Alabama. She was a true matriarch and light of the family who loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and family with a fierce, steadfast, and steady devotion, never looking for or asking for recognition. She cared and gave endlessly. Dolly had a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary. She carried her joy so naturally, it overflowed into every room she entered, and her smile could chase away the heaviest, cloudiest, and most difficult days. Dolly loved to have the whole family over and cook for every single holiday and any occasion, her greatest joy was her family and seeing them happy. Dolly’s favorite holiday was Christmas. She decorated every nook and cranny with so many decorations you could not see the walls. Everything was beautiful, played music, danced, or lit up, the house was like a Christmas wonderland. One of the hardest things to do was to find her a decoration she did not have for Christmas. She filled her home with all the things she loved reflecting her warmth and originality. Dolly had the greenest of thumbs and could make every plant she touched flourish and thrive. Stepping into her backyard instantly lifted your spirit and rejuvenated your soul. The variety and abundance of plants in the house and yard are a reminder of her nurturing hands, patience, and the perseverance Dolly navigated through her life with. Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Shirley Burwell, sisters, Debra Goodrich and Dawn Allan, brothers, Daniel and Dean Burwell, son, Shawn LaFrenier, and grandson Anthony Dale LaFrenier. Dolly leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy of love with her husband of 35 years Anthony “Tony” LaFrenier, sister, Denise Holter, children, Jennifer and her husband Brandon Lee, Christy and her husband Brian Thompson, Kimberly Everitt, and Tony and his wife Tina LaFrenier, grandchildren Allie Benson, Erin and Randy Smith, Jossie and Colton Maston, Clayton Lee, Lexi Sanchez, Jacob Lee, Sarah LaFrenier and Chase Chaplin, Jack, Hanah, Haley, Matthew, and Kyle LaFrenier, Renee Partridge, Angelica and Matt Strickland, Ryan and Emily Unsworth, great grandchildren, Kasen Benson, Khloe and Karli Burkett, Madi and Randall Smith, Amelia Unsworth, Wendell Strickland, and Augustine LaFrenier. Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. Honoring Dolly’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date with her closest family members and friends. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.

Mrs. Dolly Jo LaFrenier

February 4, 1956 - August 19, 2025