Dorothy Barrs Luhrs

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our Mother, Dorothy Barrs Luhrs passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2023, surrounded by her children and her dogs just days after her 93rd birthday.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 27, 2023, at The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Thursday evening at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM.

Dorothy was the widow of Joseph Bernard Luhrs, Sr. whom she met at age 14. They were later married and remained so for 54 years until Joe’s death in 2005. She was also predeceased by her parents Estelle Berry Barrs and Leonard Barrs, as well as her brother Claude Barrs.

Dorothy was born in Charleston, SC on January 18, 1930. She graduated from Memminger High School in 1947 and then went on to graduate from Rice Business College.

Dorothy “Dot” was the quintessential Southern lady that possessed charm, class, beauty, grace, and strength.

Dot loved and valued education, a good book, sharing a laugh, watching old movies (especially Westerns), animals of all kinds, her flower gardens, poetry, a hot cup of coffee any time of day, history, politics, taking long drives, art, listening to music, meaningful conversations, entertaining family and friends in her home, celebrating holidays and birthdays, being surrounded by those that she loved, her Catholic faith, spreading kindness and always putting other’s needs before her own, but most of all her three children whom she loved dearly. Her favorite saying was “show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are.”

She is survived by her daughters Karen and Susan(fiancé Capers Owings), and son Joseph, Jr., all of whom reside in Charleston, SC.

Dorothy left many gifts and legacies but the most important was spreading kindness. She taught her children to always be gracious and grateful, just as she lived her entire life.

She was known affectionately by many of her children’s friends as “ Mom Luhrs” because they knew that they could always come to her when they needed wise advice.

The family wishes to thank Gentiva (formally Hospice of Charleston) for their amazing support, compassion, and care of our Mother the past few months. We are forever grateful for Brittan, Jen, Tracy, Terri, Melissa, Cynthia, Andrea, and Susan, who are all true nurse angels on earth. We are thankful for Darrell the Chaplain, Robin the social worker, Cora her aide, and the wonderful volunteer Joe.

We also want to say a special thank you to Father Timothy and Monsignor Anthony Droze, whose spiritual guidance meant so much to Dorothy and her children.

Thank you to Dr. Hugh Durrence and his nurse Jean for the incredible care they gave Mom over the years.

Lastly, we are forever grateful for the incredible support from all the countless friends (both old and new) who called and/or visited Mom and us consistently throughout this journey which kept our spirits lifted. We love and appreciate each one of you more than you’ll ever know.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you please make donations to Gentiva Hospice at 4975 Lacrosse Rd., # 200A, N. Charleston, SC, 29406 and/or the Charleston Animal Society at 2455 Remount Rd., Charleston, SC, 29406 in Dorothy’s memory.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.