Dorothy Irene Emerick, 79, of Port Charlotte, Florida died Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte Hospital.

Dorothy was born January 13, 1942 in Battle Creek, Michigan to the late Peter and Marion (Jones) Dilger.  Dorothy met her husband, James, in high school. She worked for the City of Battle Creek in the public works department as a secretary.  Later Dorothy and her husband ran several family businesses, a grocery store and video store/tanning salon in Bronson, Michigan for 20 years. Later she moved to Florida and they owned a laundry mat in Arcadia for 2 years.

Dorothy had a passion for fashion, and everyone loved to go shopping with her. She always remembered everyone’s birthday with a card or gift. Dorothy loved animals and had many family pets.  She was a caregiver to many family members throughout her life. Dorothy was a wonderful mother and caring Grandma.  She was a loving wife and cherished by many friends, especially a very close friend, Barbara.

Survived by her husband of 61 years, James C. Emerick of Port Charlotte; her sons, James C. Emerick, Jr. and Timothy Emerick both of Port Charlotte; a daughter, Kimberly Herman of Texas and her husband Robert; a sister, Barbara and husband Richard Bolt of Port St. Lucie, FL; Sister-in-law Ann and husband Don DeBault of Port Charlotte; her grandchildren, Travis, Dusty, Tyler, Sabrina and Elizabeth; and 3 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date by the family. Interment will be in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida.

Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s memory may be made to: Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County https://mowofcc.org/ and Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County  http://awlshelter.org/.

 Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.