Dorothy Andrews

Dorothy Andrews, 83, of Lake Jackson, passed away on Monday, July 18th, 2022. Dorothy was born to John Robert McPhail and Annie Rainey Skidmore in Crockett, Texas. She would have turned 84 this November.

After graduating from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas, class of 1956, she moved to Houston and started her first job working as a secretary for Don McMillian Ford, eventually becoming Executive Secretary for Mr. McMillian. She soon married her first and only beau in 1958, Arthur ‘Art’ Andrews and was married until his passing in May 2008, just a few months shy of 50 years. She continued working for the McMillian family for 56 years, retiring in April of 2013. The McMillian sons, Don Jr., Robert and Reid McMillian, have been ‘the boys’ to her since they were born. They were and always have been an integral part of her life. We will be forever grateful for their love and support all these years.

She lived in Katy, Texas for 46 years before moving to Lake Jackson in May of 2014 to live with her daughter and son-in-law for four years, then moved into Elmcroft Assisted Living (now Sodalis). We are thankful for the kind and loving care they have shown to Mom, aka ‘Gram,’ for these past four-and-a-half years up to her passing. This sassy, social butterfly enjoyed friends, Bingo, crafts, field trips, festive socials and events with the Staff and Caregivers, including her 80th birthday celebration with friends and family and her reign as Ms. Elmcroft during the 2018 Festival of Lights. We are also grateful for the incredible ladies with A-Med Hospice. Thank you to Anne, Sara and Lizette for the care and genuine compassion shown to Mom these past months. She will be remembered as one of their favorite residents for many years to come.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Bonnie and Linda, her brother John, her brothers’-in-law, Dennis and ‘J.B.,’ and her husband Art. She is survived by her sister, Jane Hengst of Montgomery, her brother and sister-in-law, Melvin & Mindy McPhail of Wiley, and her sister-in-law, Audry McPhail of Tuscola, along with all of their families; her daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and John Wilkinson of Lake Jackson; ‘bonus’ daughters, Cathy Andrews of Thousand Oaks, CA, and Karen Kowal of Houston; grandchildren and their spouses and great-grandchildren: John & Monika Royalty, Josh & Ryan of Humble; Megan & Duggan Stevenson, Kyla, Christian & Ben of Knoxville, TN; Nelson Royalty & James Phillips-Royalty of Houston; Allison & Brian Curtis, Ella & Brisan of Missouri City; and her ‘bonus’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Janet & Kevin Ross, Ben & Samantha of Valencia, CA; and Sarah & Eric Green & Everett of Los Angeles, CA; Jonathan & Kathryn Wilkinson & Easton of Richwood; Landon & Blaine Wilkinson & Emory of Lake Jackson; and Colton & Kelci Wilkinson & Adalynn of San Antonio. She is also survived by her many cousins and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Restwood Funeral Home in Clute, Texas, on Saturday, July 23rd, 10 am visitation and service immediately following at 11 am. Pastor Craig Taylor of Family Life Church will officiate. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.