Molly Jean Dalton

Molly Jean Dalton, 92, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023. She was born on April 23, 1931 in Arlington, Texas and was a lifelong resident. Her father, Lenton Bryan Lovell, was the Arlington Chief of Police in the 1920’s and chased Bonnie and Clyde out of town! Molly met the love of her life, Ben Dalton, at a social at First Baptist Church, and they married after she graduated from Arlington High School in 1948.

Molly retired in 1993 from the Arlington Independent School District as an Insurance coordinator for employees who became friends. She was an avid reader, opera lover, and theatre supporter. She was “home” to any stray cat who needed her and loved Ireland, its people, and lore. Her humor and laughter were infectious and a fiery conversation about politics and social injustice was her favorite platform. She was our fierce matriarch and demanded the best from all of us while loving us implicitly and without question or judgment. She believed in her Lord Jesus Christ but was open, inviting, and fascinated by the religions and beliefs of the world. She raised her children on the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. and was politically active throughout her life.

Molly is preceded in death by her mother, Mabel Burress Lovell, her father, Lenton Lovell, her sister Lois Lovell Crusius, her husband, Benjamin Edwin Dalton, her son, Benjamin Jeffrey Dalton, and her daughter-in-law, Kathy Traylor Dalton. She leaves behind to carry on her legacy her daughter Dinah Dalton Menger and her husband Christopher, grandchildren Claire Menger Gierber and husband Tyler, Samuel Menger and wife Danielle, and Anna Menger Johnson and husband Parker, three great grandchildren Charlotte Gierber, Hudson Gierber, and Jolene Menger, nephews Timothy Crusius and Bryan Crusius and a wonderful throng of extended family and friends.

A very special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Colonial Oaks Memory Care who loved her and treated her with such special and devoted attention. Thank you for loving our “Molly Olly”.

Please join us for her Memorial service at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at All Souls Episcopal Church located at 305 W. Main, Arlington, TX 76010. There will be a reception, catered by her dear friends Myron and Linda Ice, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

https://www.jekyllisland.com/activities/georgia-sea-turtle-center/