Theresa (Thurman) Dunn

Services for Theresa Louise Dunn, 72, of Flint will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Flint Baptist Church in Flint with Rev. Sam DeVille and Rev. Gene Ramsey officiating. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Theresa joined our Lord Jesus and her son, PR1 Dennis Michael Dunn, USN in Heaven on Monday, January 16, 2023 in Flint. She was born June 17, 1950 in Little Rock, Arkansas to JR and Lillie Thurman. When she was two years old, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from White Haven High School in 1968. Theresa enlisted in the United States Navy on August 19, 1971 and went through Recruit Training Command (women) at Bainbridge, Maryland. As a former Aviation Storekeeper who converted to Journalist in 1975, Senior Chief Dunn was selected as the 1976 Naval Station, Guam, Sailor of the Year for her contributions to the massive recovery operation of the island of Guam after a devastating Super Typhoon and 7.5 earthquake. She was also a finalist for the Naval Logistics Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet 1976 Sailor of the Year. During her 24 years of service, she served with most every community of the Navy from Aviation to Surface to Submarine, from Seabees to Communications to Recruiting, as well as on a joint staff at an Army Post. She also served as an instructor at the Defense information School at Fort Benjamin Harris, Indianapolis, Indiana. Senior Chief Dunn completed numerous military schools, some of which awarded Navy Enlisted Codes (NECS): Aviation Storekeeper “A” School, Journalist “A” School, the Newspaper Editor’s Course, Advanced information Specialist Course, Intermediate Photojournalist Course (8147), Public Affairs Supervisors Course, Command Career Counselor (9588/89). Basic Instructor (9502), and Command Master Chief. Aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence CV-62 she completed all her qualifications to earn her enlisted Air Warfare Wings. Senior Chief Dunn completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of the State of New York Regents College. Senior Chief Journalist (Air Warfare) Theresa L. Dunn reported to the Naval Historical Center as Command Senior Chief in November 1992 when Navy Recruiting District, Washington, was disestablished for her last duty station. Senior Chief Dunn’s awards include Joint Services Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, five Navy Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, Expert Pistol qualification, two Silver Wreaths for Excellence in Recruiting Support, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and two Overseas Service ribbons. Theresa was an active member of First Baptist of Laurel, Maryland, Crossroads, Baptist Church of Wake Forrest, North Carolina, Bullard Southern of Bullard, Texas and Flint Baptist Church, Flint, Texas. She was involved in Sunday School, AWANAs, Choir and women’s ministries. Theresa loved sailing and fishing with her husband Mike and quilting. She was a member of the Mineola Quilt Guild and Quilters Guild of East Texas. She participated in many award-winning shows, excelling at many quilting techniques and winning many awards including Best of Show and First Places. She was also certified as a Quilting Instructor. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Senior Chief Dunn, (formerly Theresa Thurman), married CWO4 Clyde Michael Dunn, USN (RET) in August 1988, combining their two families. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Chuck, Dennis, and sister Helen; and her son, PR1 Dennis Michael Dunn, USN who passed on October 6, 2006 after serving in Iraq. She leaves behind her husband, Mike Dunn; five adult children, Terri Lavallee, Denise Wood, Missie Wiedman, Melissa Perry, and Chad Dunn; twelve grandchildren: Joey, Deleema, Emily, Madison, Alexander, Aurora, Christina, Brooklyn, Draven, Emmerson, Joshua, and Gabriel; and five great-grandchildren: Madeline, JR, Kenadee, Cooper, and Lilly Kate.

Theresa (Thurman) Dunn

June 17, 1950 - January 16, 2023