Dorothy L Jenkins

Dorothy Jeanne Lawson was born in Tampico, Mexico, on August 5, 1924, to Grayson Frederick and Marie Crowley Lawson. She spent her childhood years in South Texas before graduating in 1945 with a B.B.A. from Texas College of Arts & Industry in Kingsville, Texas (later known as Texas A&I University and now Texas A&M University-Kingsville).

While working at Humble Oil in Houston, Texas, she met the love of her life, Gene Dale Thompson, and they married on February 4, 1950. Gene and Dorothy raised four children while living in Texas, California, Louisiana, and Colorado for Gene’s work. They eventually settled back in Houston in 1976 where they enjoyed life with their four grown children and their families, including seven grandchildren. Dorothy lost Gene to cancer after 43 years of marriage on February 14, 1993.

Dorothy, known to her friends and family as Dottie or Dot, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her favorite spot in the world was her beloved Blue Heron Ranch in Ingram, Texas, which was originally owned by her father Grayson, known to all as G.F. The Blue Heron was the source of many happy family memories. Dorothy’s many world travels took her throughout Europe and to Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia. She was a lover of the arts, especially theater and opera, and was also an avid reader. Dorothy was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and their Women’s Club in Houston. She was also an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Auxiliary and the Houston Petroleum Auxiliary Council (HPAC) for many years.

Dorothy married Arthur “Art” William Jenkins in 1996 until he passed away in January 2001.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Robert L. Lawson. She is survived by daughters Donna Garner of Fort Worth, Debbie Escher and husband Charles of Houston, and Karen McCutcheon of Austin; son Gary Thompson and wife Rhonda of Magnolia, Texas; grandchildren Charlie (Leah) Escher, Patrick (Janie) Garner, Sara (Mark) Marshall, Ryan Thompson, Lauren Escher, Kelly (Collin) Currell, and Austin McCutcheon; great-granddaughters Mia Marshall, Annika Marshall, Chloe Escher and Carter Currell; sister-in-law Maudie Belle Lawson; niece Shelley Lawson; and many other extended family and friends.

Dorothy’s family was her greatest joy and she especially treasured her precious grandchildren and great-granddaughters. She was a wonderful mother and great example to her children. Dorothy will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Dorothy’s family would like to give special thanks to the nurses at A*MED Hospice and to the Colonial Oaks at Westchase memory care staff who lovingly cared for her the last two years.

A private funeral service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, TX.