Dorothy Jean Lorts, 84, moved to Heaven on September 24, 2011 from Kansas City, MO. Born on August 28, 1927, in Maryville, TN, to James and Ethel Coada, Dorothy Jean attended Maryville College before marrying James R. Whitehead in 1947. They moved to Independence, MO, and raised three sons and a daughter: Philip C. Whitehead, who died in 1981; Michael K. Whitehead and wife Janet, of Lee's Summit, MO; Mark H. Whitehead, of Independence, MO; and Mary Jane Wilder-Hardee of Olathe, KS. Jim Whitehead died in 1969 in a workplace explosion at KCP&L, and Dorothy went to work with the Internal Revenue Service until she retired. She married Melburn H. Davis and became mother to his adult children: Ed Davis, deceased; Kay Davis McKenny, Rapid City, SD; Tom Davis, deceased; Diana Davis Toney, Liberty, MO; Dona Davis, Phoenix, AZ; and Ted Davis, Independence. After Mel's death in 1988, Dorothy married Kenneth Lorts, and lived in Lee's Summit, MO and Apache Junction, AZ. She has lived most recently at Carondolet Manor Nursing Home in South Kansas City, MO. Dorothy loved music and taught private piano lessons for many years. She delighted in the musical accomplishments of her family, including Mary Jane, who earned the Ph.D. degree in vocal music, and is a professor at Mid-America Nazarene University. Dorothy was proud of the accomplishments of all her family members. She loved people. Her sister, Virginia and Bill Cooper, live in the Atlanta, GA area. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Independence, and of Beta Sigma Phi women's sorority. She loved her grandchildren: Abigail Whitehead, Independence; Hannah Whitehead Shanks (and husband Loren), Pleasant Hill; Holly Whitehead, Lee's Summit; and Jonathan Whitehead (wife Aryn), and their kids (Dorothy's great-grandchildren): Luke, 4; Alden, 2; and Julia, 4 mos., all of Lee's Summit. Dorothy loved her stepchildren and their children as her own. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she trusted as a little girl and followed by faith all her life. No longer by faith alone, she now sees Him, face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12. For Eternity. For His Glory. Services will be at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 39th St. & 291 Hwy, Independence, MO, on Thursday, Sep. 29 at 10 a.m., with family visitation on Wednesday evening, Sep. 28, 6-8 pm. Burial will be in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Independence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alliance Defense Fund, Inc.; MNU Music Department Scholarships; or Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.