Dolores C. Borrow

Dolores C. Borrow, age 95, of Flint, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. A visitation will be held at 11am until the time of the Funeral Service at 1pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road in Swartz Creek. Dolores will be laid to rest next to her late husband, James, at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint. Those wishing to write condolences may do so by visiting her obituary page which can be found at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Dolores was born on May 12, 1930, in Flint, Michigan to the late Harold & Laura (Olson) Spillers. She is a proud graduate of Flint Central High School, class of 1948. After marrying her beloved husband in 1949, Dolores started her career at Michigan Bell as an operator. She later worked at General Motors AC Spark Plug and eventually built and managed the Borrow Apartments alongside Jimmy. Born in a different era, Dolores lived through nearly a century of adventures and experiences. Her spark for music came as a saxophone player in Flint Central and Hoover High School bands. She later became a banjo enthusiast which led to 40+ years of strumming on stage, performing in parades and sharing the sounds of old time music. Dolores had a knack for leadership positions and paired with a passion for banjo playing, she served as the one-time president and music director for both the Flint Banjo Club and Auto City Banjo Club. Her time was also dedicated as a board member for the All Frets international organization and one time president of the Fretted Instrument Guild of America. Her adventurous soul traveled the country in pursuit of the next banjo convention, and this passion provided a community of very dear, musically talented friends.

Before her banjo days, Dolores was an avid skier. On the water, she performed as part of the water ski ballet line and was a founding member of the Silver Lake Ski Club. During the winter months she could be found on the slopes with her children and grandchildren or snowmobiling near her cabin in West Branch, MI. Dedicated to her community, Dolores was also active with the Masonic Lodge and served as a past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. She advocated for the philanthropic mission of Shriners’ Children Hospitals and served as a High Priestess of El Said Court. Supporting her daughters and grandchildren, she was a girl scout leader, softball coach and contributor to the Flushing sports programs. When her performing days were winding down, Dolores continued to share her love for music by becoming an instructor. She provided lessons on the banjo and taught elementary students to play the ukelele. She shared time between her home in Flint and her island getaway on Anna Maria Island. Dolores also fearlessly continued to explore new hobbies as she became a harmonica player, baker, and painter in her later years.

Friendships were easily forged and though she will be missed dearly, Dolores made the best of her 95 years on Earth as idle time was never wasted. She would frequently enjoy sips of a fine wine or impromptu stops at an island bar. She was loved beyond measure and when you hear the gentle strum of a banjo, know that her memory lives on.

As the matriarch of the family, Dolores was affectionately known as “Gran” and is survived by her children: Susan Babcock and Andrea Borrow; grandchildren: Juli, R.J., Andrew (Jaclyn), Jennifer (Chris); great-grandchildren: Asher, Marley, Natalie, Charlotte; nephew, Gerry Boyd; extended family: Sharon, Christina & Michael Zehnder; her dear friend and travel companion, Paul Sterling; her beloved pets: Inky and Gracie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James in 1976; her infant daughters Julie Ann & Sally Ann and her angel son; her sister, Jackie; as well as her dear companions: Dick Cocke and Gordon Russell.