Mrs. Dorothy Barton

Dorothy Dena (Killian) Barton was born on July 20, 1942, in Winnsboro, LA, to the parents of Thomas and Maggie (Holloway) Killian. The family moved to New York for a brief period, then settled in Chicago, IL. For most of their childhood, Dorothy and her brother, Thomas (AKA “T.K.”) were raised by their mother who worked long hours to provide for the family. Dorothy had to grow up fast in order to step up and help out in the household. Dorothy graduated from Wendell Phillips High School, and attended college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Roosevelt University where she obtained her Bachelors degree in Social Work.

Dorothy met the love of her life, St. Clair Barton, through mutual friends. They were married on June 25, 1967, at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. To this union were born two daughters - Jennifer St. Clair Barton and Rachael St. Clair Barton. Dorothy was the best mother that Jennifer and Rachael could have ever asked for. She made sure that they ate healthy, she was involved in their schools (serving on many PTA boards), made sure that they participated in many extracurricular activities, and loved spoiling them with clothes and gifts… and love.

Dorothy was a stay-at-home mom while Jennifer and Rachael were young. When she started working again, she put her degree in Social Work to use through working for places such as 4 C’s and Family Focus - Evanston. She loved working with the parents and the children, and they loved her back. She was such a “people person”, so her career really suited her. Dorothy was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Evanston for over 40 years. Here she was active on the Ladies Auxiliary, the Deaconess Board, attended Bible Study, and participated in the 6 am prayer call lines.

Dorothy was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Foster Senior Group, a Genealogy club, and her friend group - The Hotties. Dorothy will tell you that she’s not a native Evanstonian, but she really became a beloved part of the Evanston community. This community really rallied around her the past few years when she needed it - bringing her food, bringing her coffee and smoothies, giving her rides, and simply just spending time with her and checking on her. As everyone knows, another passion of Dorothy’s was shopping! Marshall Field’s, Macy’s, T. J. Maxx, QVC, HSN… the list goes on.

Most of time, no one saw her do it, but she was relentless. She always dressed sharp, loved jewelry, had the latest gadgets, and truly enjoyed giving to others. Dorothy was a devoted wife and simply adored her soul mate, St. Clair. They were a perfect pair. They loved to go out with friends when they were younger, and after starting a family, they eagerly embraced family life. They had many special friends whom Jennifer and Rachael still fondly call “Aunt” or “Uncle”. Starting in 2018, as dementia progressed in Saint, Dorothy took excellent care of him, providing for his every need.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, St. Clair M. Barton, brother, Thomas Killian, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer S. Barton (Jamie F. Mason), Rachael S. Barton, Goddaughters, Tamara Steele, Andrea Steele Banks, Honorary Granddaughters, Laila, Laani, and Brooklyn Collins, Step-Granddaughters, Addison B. Mason and Tiffany L. Mason, and a host of relatives and friends.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Ione S. Brown Scholarship Fund in Dorothy K. Barton name. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette- Funeral Director

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