Dorothy Jean McMillan, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2014, in Katy, Texas. The youngest of three children, she was born August 16, 1925, in Mexia, Texas. By age 6, Dorothy and her family moved to Houston, Texas, where they made their home in the Heights. In 1942, she graduated from Reagan High School, after which she attended Business School in Houston. It was while working as a secretary in the old M&M Building in downtown Houston, that she met Hugh McMillan, Jr. On May 10, 1952, she and Hugh were married at the Baptist Temple in the Heights, and started their life together. Throughout her life, Dorothy was always happiest serving others. She served God, primarily, cheerfully volunteering a lot of her time at Tallowood Baptist Church, serving for years in the kitchen on Wednesday evenings. She was also active in her Sunday school class. One of her other great joys was creating a comfortable home for her husband, as well as their two children, Hugh III and Janet. Always there in support of her children, she delighted in their activities: there was not a football game, a tennis tournament, or a guitar lesson that was missed. In support of her husband’s business endeavors, she not only traveled extensively with him, but also served on the Board of Directors of his company, McMillan Equipment Company, working by his side to help ensure his success. Dorothy was truly a selfless person, and it showed in her relationships with her friends and family.
Dorothy had a best friend, who also happened to be her sister. Pauline and Dorothy not only grew up together, but in their adult lives, managed to live around the block, across the street, or next door to one another. At one point, it is said that Hugh was on his knees, jokingly begging Pauline’s husband to “never move again!” so he and Dorothy would not have to do the same. Laughter, love, and levity defined the relationship between Dorothy and Pauline.
Perhaps Dorothy’s greatest joy was not only watching her own children grow through the years, but watching her three grandchildren, Jeff, Marie, and Forrest, grow into beautiful, productive adults. She was known to brag often on their accomplishments and beam with pride when speaking of them.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Arvin Andrew Sawyer and Minta Alice Rountree, her brother, Audrey Sawyer, and her husband, Hugh McMillan, Jr.
Survivors include her sister, Pauline Gentry of Houston; her children Hugh McMillan III and his wife Patsy of Cypress,Texas; and Janet Lehr of Katy, Texas. Dorothy is also survived by grandchildren Jeff Lehr and his wife Jenny of Cypress, Texas; Marie Conlan and her husband William of Katy, Texas; and LT Forrest Lehr and his wife, Amy, of Newport, Rhode Island. She is also survived by dear friend Cindy Doyle, of Katy, Texas. Dorothy also leaves four great-grandchildren, Paige and Taylor Lehr, of Cypress, Texas; Wyatt Conlan of Katy, Texas; and Jackson Lehr, of Newport, Rhode Island. Dorothy is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The entire family wishes to express sincere gratitude for the kind, caring, and professional help given to Dorothy by the staff of Sunrise of Cinco Ranch Senior Living, as well as the staff of Resolutions Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the Red Oak Stateroom at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 3:00 pm in the Chapel at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, Houston, TX.
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