“FISH ON!”
“FETCH IT UP!“
Simple words to describe a not so simple zest for life. Dorothy Ellen Bradbury Fleming King enjoyed shooting, saltwater fishing, and Labrador Retrievers. She was happiest in the salt air with sand in her shoes, if she was wearing any at all.
We had to say our good byes to Dorothy "DD" to all that knew her, as she had passed peacefully in her sleep on Monday the 22nd of July 2024, at the age of 86 in Houston.
DD was born on the 9th of October 1937. She grew up in Boston. She had many stories to tell about running dogs with Uncle Bradbury, and summers at the beach on the Atlantic Seaboard eating lobster from the docks.
DD attended Abbott Academy, now Phillips Academy Andover, as well as Connecticut College where she majored in English with a music minor. She played piano and guitar. Later, she completed her studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University, exploring her passion for marine biology.
DD was the epitome of old school finishing: mannerly, when she wasn’t being naughty; an eloquent writer; and an accomplished classical pianist. She played her baby grand to the end of her years and shared her gifts freely. DD played beautiful classical selections for her daughter-in-law while she carried each grandson before and after they were born. It was important to DD that they love music, and fostering that love could not start too early for G-Ma. Her community at The Tradition, where she lived most recently, enjoyed listening to her play as well. They could hear through the open door of her residence. Many passer-byes quietly lingered in the hallway, so not to interrupt. This is a treat we will all miss for sure.
Music was a big part of DD’s longevity. It helped keep her sharp and connected. Grandson, Case, remembers fondly being his G-Ma’s Chauffeur many times in her latter years. While on the road, they’d often talk a lot about life. There wasn’t much overlap between the music they liked to listened to, but there was one song in particular that bridged the age gap: “The Wanderer” from the “Runaround Sue” album, originally recorded by Dion in 1961. She mastered the extremely difficult piano piece by Debussy, “Clair de Lune.” She put in months of practice and effort especially for her son, Brad, because it was his favorite classical work. We all think of her each time we hear it. DD was truly talented.
Among DD’s truest loves, were her grandsons: John Adam Case King V and Jack Wesley Bradbury King. Wes knew early on that she would never say, “no” to cream cheese sandwiches or pancakes. She actually used the word “no” so little with them, she earned another nickname from her grandsons: Grammaw No Nos, as in the absence of all the no. Wes also has wonderful memories of them watching Sponge Bob Square Pants cartoons and the animated movie, “Madagascar.” King Julian the Lemur was her favorite character.
DD had an ever growing community of loving friends. Throughout her life, she lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. But, Texas was in her heart. The immediate family moved from the East Coast to Texas in 1975. At that time, DD was mother to John Adam Case King IV, Carolyn Caldwell King (Webbon), Elizabeth Lord Bradbury King, and William Hanna Bradbury King. She embraced all things from the Lone Star State including horseback riding, cowgirl boots and hats, guns, outdoorsman sports, and Tex-Mex. The Rockdale Ranch and Ocean House in Rockport were among her favorite places.
DD is survived by children (and their spouses): JC King; Carolyn Webbon (Bob Webbon); Brad King (Sheryl King); and grandsons, Case King and Wes King.
Two of DD’s best friends were her well trained black labs: Tar and Skyy. These loyal companions brought her much joy as her protectors and her hunting buddies. This love of labradors was passed to her children and grandchildren. As DD would say, “Oh! for the love of a trained labrador!”
In respect of DD’s passions and final wishes, the family will be casting her ashes into the Atlantic in a private ceremony off the coast of Key West with all our love and care. To keep her company, daughter Lyz’s ashes, as well as those of Tar and Skyy, will be blessed and turned to the sea.
Thank you to all whom loved DD. Your care and friendship through the years is the grandest gestures in tribute to her life. Please remember her fondly and know she watches from over the “Rainbow Bridge” for when we all meet again.
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