Dorothy Jean Tibbits-Roney

Dorothy Jean Tibbits-Roney, Dot or Tibby known to friends and loved ones, passed away on February 6, 2020 at the age of 88 in Bradenton, Florida. She was born on May 14, 1931 to Howard and Florence Tibbits and moved to Greenville during her high school years. She received her degree in education from Michigan State University and then became an admired and beloved high school teacher and college professor for over 40 years teaching English, Speech and Drama. As head of the drama department at Harper Woods High School, Dorothy directed several productions, many of which took top honors at state competitions. Dorothy was at the forefront of educational equality and spent countless hours volunteering to help inner-city children learn how to read and flourish academically. She was also a lover of the arts and loved visiting Stratford to watch plays and often frequented the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Historical Museum where she was a Docent. Her love of art and culture led to an extensive list of places she visited all around the globe to absorb as much of it as she could firsthand. While Dorothy lived life to the fullest, it was truly the simple pleasures she loved the most and spending time with her family was at the top of that list. She is survived by her husband Robert F. Roney, her daughter Libby Strand (husband Randy), her son Harry H. Gemuend III, Dan Gemuend (wife Sue), Tammy LaPrad (husband Jim), Dr. Jim Klein (wife Cindy), Barb Poole and five stepchildren Deirdre Roney (husband John), Roc Roney (wife Deb), Michelle Janssens (husband Glen), Colleen Apostoledes (husband George) and Chris Roney (wife Stacey). Twenty two cherished and adored grandchildren are also among the incalculable number of lives Dorothy touched and loved. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the extended Stay-At-Home Executive Order, private family services will be held at Forest Home Cemetery.