Dorothy Graham Coley

Dorothy June Graham Coley, a longtime Houstonian, went home to her Lord and Savior on March 3, 2010. Dorothy was born on March 23, 1928 in Dallas, Texas to Bruce and Frances Graham. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she attended Baylor University where she met her future husband, Gerald “Cat” Coley. Having to move back home to care for her father, Dorothy transferred to Southern Methodist University where she graduated in 1949. Gerald and Dorothy married April 15, 1950 and soon afterwards the Korean War interrupted the young couple’s lives. They eventually settled in Houston where they started their family.

Dorothy lived her life serving others. Through her work in charities, her participation in the church and her involvement with friends and family, she worked quietly and selflessly to help others around her. It started with her involvement in Second Baptist Church, the Women’s Missionary Union and being a longtime Sunday school teacher. Then at Bethel Independent Presbyterian Church, she led a nursing home ministry for many years. With minimal business experience, she exhibited professionalism, and fairness while serving on the board of the Homeowner’s Association at Woodlake Forest II, for several decades. When there was a need, she was there to help. From being a grandmother at the ready, to standing vigil with those in the hospital, to offering a shoulder to cry on.. Friends and family knew they could always rely on Dorothy for genuine compassion and a generous heart.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Stephen Coley, Carolyn Coley Waidhofer and her husband, Mike; grandchildren, Bryan, Cole and Evan; brother Gordon Graham and his wife Charlene; nieces, Sharon Lathrop, Karen Walthall, and nephew Bruce Graham and their families and several other cousins.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Monday, March 8th from 5 to 7 pm and the funeral service Tuesday, March 9th at 10 am at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston,Texas 77079. Graveside service will follow afterwards.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the love and care given Dorothy from her “family” at Gracious Living and Compassionate Care Hospice.

“The Lord lift up his countenance on you and give you peace” Numbers 6:26