On January 8, 2026, at 1:23 p.m., Dorothy Jo (DJ) Anne Kroll entered the presence of her Savior after a life devoted to faith, family, teaching, music, and ministry. She was surrounded by her children, who sang her into heaven with Amazing Grace as she took her final breath.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Dorothy Jo (known to most as DJ) was the youngest child of Alfredo Zayas Newsom and the only child of Loretta Kay Maynard Newsom. She was lovingly named in honor of both grandmothers, Dorothy and Josie. From an early age, DJ’s life was shaped by curiosity, learning, and deep family bonds.

DJ was raised in a home grounded in Christian faith, influenced strongly by her maternal grandparents, Woodrow and Dorothy Maynard, whose devotion to church and service left a lasting spiritual legacy. Her grandmother Dorothy, in particular, modeled sacrificial faith, resilience, and hospitality; qualities DJ carried forward throughout her life.

Education and ministry were central threads in DJ’s story. She moved to Michigan at age 18 to attend Alma College, initially majoring in dance theater before completing a degree in Religious Studies with an emphasis in children’s and music ministry. Music was both her joy and her language of worship; she led college worship services, directed children’s choirs, and spent decades using music to help others encounter God.

DJ married in 1997 and became the devoted mother of four daughters: Eryn (28), Elizabeth (26), Abigail (24), and Breanna (20). She homeschooled her children from kindergarten through high school with dedication, creativity, and deep intentionality. Teaching was not only her profession but her calling, whether in homeschool classrooms, churches, community programs, or public schools as a substitute teacher. She believed passionately that children should be taught to read well so they could one day read and understand the Bible for themselves.

Her ministry spanned more than two decades. DJ coached Bible quizzing teams, taught preschool Bible classes, led worship, directed choirs, and served in women’s ministry. For over 20 years, she faithfully taught the children’s class during ladies’ Bible study at Waterford Community Church, where she was affectionately known as Miss DJ. She also served with Community Bible Study, Silver Lake Church, and the Flint Eastside Mission, where she poured into middle school students and preschoolers alike.

DJ was deeply involved in the performing arts, serving as a director, teacher, and mentor. She directed school and community theater productions, founded homeschool choirs, judged dance and music competitions, and served as Performing Arts Superintendent for the Oakland County Fair. Her love for Anne of Green Gables was so profound that she legally added Anne as her middle name; a reflection of her belief in imagination, perseverance, and hope.

In 2008, DJ experienced the profound loss of her stillborn daughter, Ashley Makarios, a moment that forever shaped her faith and ministry. Out of grief came deeper obedience, leading her to pursue ministry licensing and years of service to underserved communities. Even in seasons of deep personal hardship, including divorce and family loss, DJ remained committed to serving others and glorifying God.

Though her biological parents passed earlier in her life, DJ was deeply blessed by a close and loving relationship with her in-laws, John and Diane Kroll, whom she affectionately and sincerely called Mom and Dad. Their bond was a source of great comfort, stability, and love throughout her adult life.

DJ was preceded in death by her siblings Barry and Cheryl, as well as her daughter Ashley Makarios. She is survived by her brother Wayne, her four beloved daughters, extended family, and countless friends, students, and church members whose lives were shaped by her faithfulness and care.

Throughout her life, DJ’s guiding prayer was that God would be glorified through every circumstance. Her chosen theme verse, Psalm 146:2, reflected her heart: “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” She prayed that her life, and even her death, would bless others and draw them closer to Christ.

Dorothy Jo (DJ) Anne Kroll leaves behind a legacy of steadfast faith, sacrificial love, joyful worship, and tireless service. Her influence lives on in lives taught, faith strengthened, songs sung, and souls encouraged.

Funeral services will be held on January 31, 2026 at 10 a.m. at DJs second home Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene, 2480 Airport Rd, Waterford. In keeping with DJ’s heart for ministry, all are invited to reflect on God’s grace and the hope of eternal life. Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com