Dorothy Henslee

She is remembered for many things, including her warmth, humor, loyalty, forgiveness, protectiveness, love of animals, and fierce love of family. We’ve been remembering her and wanted to share some stories, with you, of her life - with a little humor that we think she would have chuckled at.

When she was younger, she wanted to water ski, but she couldn’t swim and was afraid of water. So, she water skied, but wore both a full life jacket AND a life belt and she learned to start from the shore and have the boat swing her back to the shore at the end. Momma is the only person we know of who managed to water ski for many years without ever actually being submerged in the water!

Momma was an adventurous spirit who was always up for trying things, especially with her kids. From her getting out participating in her children’s activities, we got beloved stories of her crashing motorcycles through a fence, into a yard, and toward more than a couple of scared onlookers.

She was a prolific painter of ceramics for many years and a lot of us are blessed to have her beautiful work in our homes - and only a couple of them have creepy eyes that scare us.

Mom was an animal lover of the highest order. Her entire life she loved and cared for birds, fish, and dogs. A couple of highlights: We all remember Butchie the legendary Boston Terrier from many decades ago and Chico her cockatiel. We also have to mention her MUCH beloved chihuahua Gracie who was a great comfort to momma right up until the very end.

She loved clothes (especially bright, beautiful colors) and home decor. Dorothy was a famously enthusiastic homemaker who rearranged the furniture in her home every few weeks - much to the consternation of her family members who would constantly trip over the rearranged furniture at night.

Among other things, Mom loved Mexican food, country music, working in her flowerbeds, and collecting figurines - especially birds and angels.

We loved her so very much and we miss her deeply; however, we are also very grateful she is free of all pain with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

She is preceded in death by John, her husband of 62 years and her infant daughter Bonnie. She is survived by her children Johnnie, Randy, Nancy, and Les; her daughters-in-law Loretta and Mary; her son-in-law Rick; her grandchildren Brandy, Scotty, John, Virginia, Ashley, Josh, Amber, Justin, Shyann, Aubrey, and Nathan; and her great-grandchildren Kingston, Xander, Isaiah, Majestia, Jazlynn, Saxon, Mikael, Joshua, Jasher, Kayte, Jacob, Maddison, Braxton, and Audrianna.

A visitation for Dorothy will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Griggs Schooler Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 Bell St., Amarillo, Texas 79109. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 5400 Bell St., Amarillo, Texas 79109. A graveside service will occur Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Llano Cemetery, 2900 S Hayes St., Amarillo, Texas 79103.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.griggsschoolergordon.com for the Henslee family.