Dorothy Jean Barnhart Alvear was born on July 29, 1934, in Polo, Illinois, to Oscar and Mary Barnhart. In 1952, she graduated from Lincoln High in Tacoma, Washington, and that same summer accompanied her parents to be missionaries in South America. Dorothy met Juan Alvear through the mission work in Santiago, Chile, and they were married on August 15, 1954. After their first son was born, Dorothy and Juan settled in Brazil where they established a mission work. They made their home base in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, laboring there for 35 years. Dorothy worked tirelessly with children, young people, women, and elderly in every kind of ministerial capacity one can imagine. As a result of her life of ministry, countless lives have been impacted; she is beloved and respected on two continents. Talents and skills Dorothy brought to her ministry were her accomplished accordion playing, melodious singing, memorable teaching and preaching, and numerous handcraft skills such as sewing, needle work, and painting. Dorothy was an impeccable host, and her delicious cooking and sumptuous meals are fondly remembered by her family and the hundreds who were served at her table over the years. Dorothy was an avid letter writer, faithfully corresponding with her family and friends all her life, and consistently sending lovely cards and hand written notes to ensure her loved ones knew they were on her mind. In 1992, Dorothy and Juan returned to the U.S. to live in Bakersfield, CA, where they pastored a local church. Juan passed in December of 2003. A few years later, Dorothy was diagnosed with Parkinson's leading to her many health challenges, eventually requiring her to be cared for by her family. Throughout every facet of her life, Dorothy was known as a prayer warrior. The sound of her voice lifted up in prayer will forever be heard in her children's memory. Dorothy passed on to a better life on April 6, 2019, surrounded by her loving family in the city of Oxford, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Juan B. Alvear; parents, Oscar Barnhart and Mary (Thomas) Barnhart; sister, Elnor Barkley; baby brother, Sonny Boy Barnhart. Survivors include her children: David Lynn Alvear and wife Shirley of Baton Rouge, LA, Pastor Jonathan Alvear and wife Kandi of Oxford, GA, Susan Mary Keith of Dallas, TX, Daniel Lee Alvear of San Mateo, CA, Gloria Lynda Alvear of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alba Azucena Sweeney and husband David of Denver, CO; grandchildren: Sarah, Nathan, Reverend Juan Gabriel, Michael, Angelo, Madeleine, Matt, Melody, Debbie, Johanna, Jessica, Elyse; great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Judah, Levi, Lautaro, Lara, Dante, Gael, Benny, Piero, Lola; sister: Beverly Lindaas and husband Kenneth of Mount Morris, IL; brother: Thomas Barnhart and wife Caroline of Tacoma, WA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service for Mrs. Alvear will be held Thursday, April 11, 2019, 10:00 A.M., at Conyers Apostolic Church, 1882 Irwin Bridge Road NW., in Conyers, with Pastor Jonathan Alvear and Reverend Juan Gabriel Alvear officiating. Interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park, in Covington. Friends may visit with the family at the church, Wednesday, April 10, from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to I-AM Foundation (for Brazil Missions) PO Box 501, Conyers, GA 30012.
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Regards,
Chris Socha, Case Processor
