Dorothy Lee Taylor - Shores

Dorothy Lee Taylor-Shores

Wilson -- Services for Dorothy Lee Taylor-Shores, 83, are scheduled for 2 pm Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Alexander Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson with Pastor James Gunter officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at Hewitt Cemetery.

Dorothy was born November 20, 1932, in Lamb County, Texas, near Littlefield, to the late Cleave H. and Lula Thomas (Smith), joining her older brother Clarence. She departed this life for her home in Heaven on May 31, 2016, at her residence in Wilson, Oklahoma.

The family soon left drought-stricken West Texas for Southern Oklahoma, living at Ghost Holler for a time, and then in various places in North Texas, including Callisburg, where Dorothy attended school and completed ninth grade (she later earned her GED). Dorothy also picked cotton, attended the Stamps-Baxter singing schools and made many fond memories with her younger brothers, RD and Billy Joe.

Dorothy married Erbie Taylor at Gainesville, Texas, on November 7, 1949, and the couple eventually settled in Wilson and then in Hewitt, where Dorothy was a homemaker and devoted, selfless mother to five children.

An outstanding and prolific cook, Dorothy was well known for her irresistible yeast rolls and rich, delicious cinnamon rolls, a treasured recipe passed down by her beloved Tennessee-born mother.

In addition to the full-time job of raising her own children, Dorothy frequently opened her home (and her cooking) to several nephews, nieces and neighborhood children over the years.

After raising her five children, Dorothy worked at several jobs: the Ringling Pants Factory, babysitting grandchildren (and others), the Wilson High School television studio, Wilson Public Library, Hardy’s House, the Wilson Historical Museum, and as an in-home caregiver.

Dorothy was an avid doll collector, acquiring an impressive collection. She also loved gardening, crocheting, sewing and spending time with her family. She enjoyed telling stories and recounting the precious memories of her childhood.

In the second phase of her life, Dorothy married Curtis Shores on January 1, 2002, in Wilson. Curtis preceded her in death on March 4, 2012.

Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Clarence Thomas, her daughter-in-law Lois Taylor (Way) and her granddaughter Keri Dawn Taylor.

Survivors include two brothers, RD Thomas of White Deer, Texas, and Billy Joe Thomas of Garland, Texas; Five children, Janet Asbury of Wilson, Jackie Taylor and wife Brenda of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Roger Taylor and wife Laurie of Wilson, Ronald Taylor and wife Melinda of Wilson, and Gary Taylor and wife Pennye of Gainesville, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Christopher Taylor, Michelle Pham, Joshua Taylor, Lori Manthe, Lindsey Bryant, Daniel Taylor, Mark Asbury, Marisa Asbury, Garin Taylor, Whitney Taylor, and Caitlyn Taylor; 11 great grandchildren, Kai Davis, Holly Moore, Kristian, Ashton, Sage, and Arabella Pham, Ava Bryant, Brayden Bryant, Sebastian Harrison, and Nathan, Cheyenne, and Annistyn Manthe, and expecting baby girl Taylor; Two great-great grandchildren, Elly and Dovey Moore; numerous nephews and nieces; step children, Ron Shores of Wilson and Donna Bledsoe and husband Tom of Ranger, Georgia; numerous step grandchildren and their families.

Pallbearers will be Mark Asbury, Joshua Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Jason Manthe, Garin Taylor, Chris Bryant and Brayden Bryant.

Honorary pallbearers are Christopher Taylor, Kai Davis, David Hull, Daniel Hull, Steve Shores, Mike Shores, and Mark Shores.

Family visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday evening at Alexander Funeral Home in Wilson.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org.