Mary Edna Dorsey

Mary Edna Dorsey was born to Joseph Howard and Lena Pearl Bertling Dorsey in Flatonia, Texas on December 5, 1937, and died in Bryan, Texas on December 23, 2011. Services for Mary Edna are set for Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan.

Mary Edna Dorsey lived by the Grace of God not only through birth, but also through a traumatic incident when she was an infant. On Tuesday, November 25, 1938 a gas leak in the family home at 112 East 24th in the Houston Heights asphyxiated her mother Lena Pearl (35), her brother Calvin Bryant (9) and her sister Kathryn Ann (5). Mary Edna (1) survived clasped in the arms of her mother. Mary Edna was raised by her stepmother, Willie Mae Dorsey.

Early in her life, Mary Edna evidenced love for color, shape and music, which combined with other attributes, shaped her life as an artist and a teacher of art. She used her heart and intelligence to instill love for learning in her students as seen in the mural “Those Were The Days” which is located at Bryan High School. Mary Edna organized the Art Club, planned trips to various museums, and arranged summer trips to Europe for her students to broaden their horizons.

Her early education included graduation from Reagan High School in Houston where her student experiences included art and music activities. She continued her education at Sam Houston State University where she majored in art education. While on campus she was a member of the Girls Choir under the direction of Virginia Irvin, a member of the Philos a social club, and she participated in many art activities.

Mary Edna began her teaching career as a student teacher under the guidance of Mrs. Sue Loew, Director of Art Programs in the Bryan Independent School District. She continued her experience as an enthusiastic and energetic teacher for forty-three years, all served in BISD, receiving the “Outstanding Secondary Teacher” award in 1981. She loved researching her family genealogy and reading histories and biographies. Mary Edna was an active member of The Robert Henry Chapter Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the L.S. Ross Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy holding several elective offices in each.

Mary Edna is preceded in death by her, father and mother, brother, sister, and stepmother, Willie Mae Dorsey. She is survived by a host of friends, neighbors and former students.

Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.