Dorothy Rushing Winters

The bell tolled for Dorothy Rushing Winters on April 4, 2012 in Austin, Texas. Dorothy was born on December 2, 1925 to a fourth generation East Texas family, Alonzo and Lela Rushing of San Augustine, Texas.

Growing up, Dorothy attended the Hockaday Prepatory School in Dallas, Texas and then attended college at the University of Texas in Austin where she earned a B.A. in English and a minor in French and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After graduation, Dorothy moved to New York City to attend the Parsons School for Design.

In 1947, Dorothy married Sam Winters. She and Sam have been members of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Church for 55 years, during which she taught Sunday School to fourth graders and served as President of the Women of the Church.

Dorothy was also engaged in various civic activities, bringing her creativity, wisdom, and enthusiasm to every endeavor she undertook. Dorothy founded the Docent Program at the Huntington Art Museum as well as the Visiting Dignitary Program for the International House at the University of Texas. She also helped to found the Seton Development Board and the Child and Family Service Center, now known as the Safe Place.

In addition, Dorothy served as the Vice President of the Junior League, a board member of the Symphony for over 30 years, and a member of the Fine Arts Council at UT as well as the Executive Committee of the Chancellors Council of UT.

Her passion for education, specifically primary and secondary education, led to her membership on the Board of the St. Andrews School, a school dear to her heart. Dorothy was later elected to the State Board of Education for four years, becoming the second woman to ever serve on the Board.

While committed to her community, Dorothy's family was always her first priority. She taught and shared with them her enthusiasm for learning, travel, and expansive experiences. Dorothy aimed to give them every advantage possible, equipping them to recognize and embrace opportunities and live life to the fullest.

She is survived by her husband, Sam Winters, as well as her daughter, Leila Winters Mischer, and Son-in-Law, Walter M. Mischer, Jr.

She is also survived by her grandson, Walter Max Mischer, III, and her two granddaughters, Lawson Winters Mischer and Morgan Jane Mischer.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 7th at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Jane Rushing Winters Scholarship Fund at The St. Andrews Episcopal School, 1112 West 31st Street, Austin, TX 78705.