Dorothy Ellen (Gurley) Sullivan

Dorothy Ellen Gurley Sullivan, 89, of Surf City, NC passed away on April 6th, 2026. She was born in Johnston County in 1936 and grew up in Goldsboro where she graduated from Goldsboro High School. At the age of 13, she was earned the most decorated Girl Scout of Wayne County award which was something she was always proud of. 

She was preceded in death by her husband,  M. Brooks Sullivan, her parents, Luther Aaron Gurley and Ruby Langley Gurley Howell, her sister Ann Gurley and her beloved Grandma and Papa Daugherty and her sister in law Becky Gurley. She was also preceded in death by her beloved dog and companion, Poco. 

She is survived by her brothers, Gary Gurley and Rick Howell (Michelle) of Jacksonville, Florida and her sons Roger Sullivan (Delina) and Eddie Sullivan (Karen) both of Fayetteville and daughters Terri Sullivan and Millie Sullivan both of Randleman. And her stepfather JR Howell and her grandkids by heart Corey and Richard. And many nieces and nephews and cousins. 

She retired from the Cumberland County Health Department as a Computer Systems Analyst in 2006 after twenty years and worked at Dickinson Buick and Valley Volkswagen in Fayetteville, NC in the 70’s and 80’s. After retirement in 2006,  she moved from Fayetteville to Topsail Island where she spent the remainder of her life. She loved Topsail Island and it was always her dream to retire there. She lived there for almost twenty years. 

She was a strong, loving Mom to everyone she met and a great cook who enjoyed cooking for her family and extended family. She loved Elvis Presley, Tina Turner and Motown. She was a great dancer and loved to shag. She loved traveling to the mountains of NC especially Cherokee and she loved spending time with her family. She was a God-fearing woman who believed strongly in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom she is with in Paradise. 

Graveside service will be held on Friday, April 10th 2026 at 3pm in Lafayette Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel 2301 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville NC 

In lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to:  Dementia Alliance of North Carolina  9131 Anson Way Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615  Phone: (919) 832-3732

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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