Dorles Lorine Murrell Johnson was born July 1, 1942, in Chanute, Kansas, to the parents of Tobe H. Murrell and Lorine Massey Ross. She was the youngest of five children born to this union.

Dorles confessed Christ and was baptized at a young age.  During the early 1990's, she became a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, Kansas City, Missouri, under the leadership of former Pastor Butler and now current Pastor James D. Watkins, Sr., where she was an active member of two choirs and served on the bus ministry as well.

Dorles graduated from Manual High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and participated in alumni activities for many years.  She completed telecommunications training at Associated Technical College in Los Angeles, California, and El Camino College in Torrance, California where she was certified in Trichology for hair & scalp treatments and also studied cosmetology at Vermont Beauty College in Los Angeles, California.

For 35 plus years, Dorles worked and dealt with the public, including salon work for 15 years and managed her own hair salon for two years and became a very renowned licensed cosmetologist in Los Angeles.  Her duties went beyond the shampoo bowl and styling chair.  It was her duty and pleasure as a licensed cosmetologist to make sure that her clients' cosmetic and emotional needs were met while being served in a professional way.

She was a resident and held the position of President of the Vineyard Neighborhood Association in Kansas City, Missouri for some time.  Dorles had been known for her kindness and commitment to baking candy, cakes, pies, and will always be remembered for her willingness to serve on the bereavement committee at Palestine.

Dorles worked for LaHood and Associates and B & J Janitorial Services upon relocating back to Kansas City, Missouri.  She retired after serving 11 years as a Bailiff at the Municipal Court in Kansas City, Missouri for Judge James Karl. She was known by many at the courts, including the inmates, as Ms. Dee.  She kept order in the courtroom and escorted detainees to and from their holding cells, short but tough - also known by her beloved niece, Linda as "Scrunchy!"

Dorles made her transition into eternity on January 12, 2026.

She was proceeded in death by her father, Tobe H. Murrell; mother, Lorine Massey Ross; brother, Clarence Murrell; and sister, Betty Joan Murrell Williams.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, her two amazing brothers, James (Jackie) Murrell, Sr. and Delmer Murrell; two wonderful sisters, Jacqueline (Jacci) Murrell Thomas and Mavis Murrell Hall, a god daughter, Camille (Bronia) Brown; a loving host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other very close friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.