Dorothy Louise Garner

Dorothy L. Garner, one of three children, was born on October 29,1924 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Herman and Helen Sparks (Ross).

Dorothy attended Old Woodward High School. She worked many years at Gidding and Jenney on fourth street in downtown Cincinnati, and was one of the first African American Elevator Operators at that store. She later began a career in private duty care taking at the Regency Apartments on Madison Road in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Her greatest enjoyment in life was traveling the United States with family and friends and attending horse racing at River Downs, Latonia and Church Hill Downs. Dorothy enjoyed wearing her colorful caftans, along with her big straw hats. Her collection of watches and fashionable jewelry was also known by many.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph A. Garner, Sr., whom she married on June 16, 1965, and two brothers, William (“Football”) Sparks and Allen Sparks.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one loving and devoted daughter, Vicki (Calvin) Turpin-Reese; two grandsons, William (LaTasha) Turpin Jr., and Brian (Tonia) Starr; one great-grandson, Tristian Starr; special friends, Edna Lloyd, Ruth Silvers and Mabel Moore and host of other relatives and friends.