Lady Louise Dunn

Lady Sarah Louise (McCrory) Dunn was born on April 14, 1937, in Talbotton County, Georgia, to the parentage of Sanford McCrory and Daisy Terry McCrory. She was sixth of 11 children born to this loving family.

During her early childhood in Georgia, Louise attended school and quickly became known for her unwavering work ethic and sense of excellence. She was a dedicated, depend-able woman who gave her all to any task. These values were deeply instilled in her family, who admired her commitment to getting things done with grace and determination.

Louise attended and graduated from Ruth Carter High school, where she was a cheerleader and member of the Glee Club. She developed a strong interest in Home Economics, especially cooking and interior decorating, and was known for her hospitality and homemaking. Her large family ensured that her cooking skills were well-practiced and perfected — there was always food for anyone who came to visit. She made the best of everything and shared it generously. Louise moved from Georgia to Cincinnati in 1958.

What began as a vacation to Cincinnati became a lifelong journey, as she chose to make it her home. While attending church, Louise met the love of her life J.C. Dunn in 1959. Together they became the parents of 17 children and helped raise more than 30 additional children through their bound-less love and care. She and J.C. created a nurturing home that reflected their faith, generosity and commitment to others. Her dedication to family and community earned her the title of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Class of 1984 “Woman of the Year”. As well as the City of Cincinnati and the Foster Families of Cincinnati proclaiming DUNN DAY as they celebrated and recognized J.C. and Louise Dunn for their contributions to the foster care community.

In 1962, Lady Dunn was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost under the pastorate of Bishop Elzie W. Young at Bethlehem Temple on 12th and Elm Street. She remained a faithful, dedicated member of the church for decades. Continuing her faithful service, she attended Hope for You under Bishop Larry Dempsey and in 2012, she joined Fresh Anointing Impact Church under Pastor Jonathan Dunn.

Her ministry began early. As a teenager, she and her sisters — the McCrory’s — formed the first choir at St. Paul C.M.E. Church in Shiloh, Georgia. They sang at various churches to raise money for robes and ministry needs. Over the years, Lady Dunn became known not only as a powerful singer, but also as a choir leader. Her passion for music ministry led her to establish unity among all church choirs, and she organized an annual Choir Anniversary Week featuring the Mass Choir, Great Morning Choir, Missionary Choir, Ensemble and Soul Mission Chorale. Each year the celebration grew, lifting the name of God in song and praise.

Leadership was an extraordinarily strong attribute of Lady Dunn. She spearheaded so many fundraising committees and benefits such as the Elzie Young Scholarship Cotillion, her famous and elaborate Hat Teas and her many fundraising efforts to raise money for building funds and church anniversaries.

Lady Dunn, as many affectionately called her, was known for her elegance, stunning fashion and signature hats. Her warm sense of humor, spirit of generosity and love for others left a lasting impact. She loved to shop — not just for herself, but always with others in mind — and she gave joyfully. Her good days always outweighed the bad and she faced life with courage, faith and joy.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery; her parents, Sandford and Daisy McCrory; and her nine siblings, James, Ruby, Mary, Margret, Virginia, Joan (Joanne), Eugene, Alice and Larry.

Louise leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 65 years, J.C. Dunn. She was the proud mother of 17 children, including 11 daughters, Felicia Miller, Dawn Marie (Maurice) Norman of Detroit, Michigan, Jonetta (Dwight) Crews, Amy Dunn, Shaunna Dunn, Renee L. (Rahshann) Blackwell, Lachanda Dunn, Andrea (Todd) Holloway, Alodie Dunn, Jennifer Dunn, Germaine Dunn of Columbus, Ohio and bonus daughter, Demetra Alexander of Cincinnati, Ohio; and six sons, James (Inger) Dunn of Nashville, Tennessee, Jonathan (Tara) Dunn of Cincinnati, Ohio, Corey (Sabbath) Dunn of Lima, Ohio, Lawrence Dunn of Cincinnati, Ohio and Johnny Dunn of Cincinnati, Ohio. Louise is also survived by her devoted brother, Henry (Demetrius) McCrory of Chicago, Illinois; 54 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, other relatives, beloved saints and dear friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lady Louise Dunn, please visit our floral store.