Dorothy Ann Edwards Oyen

Dorothy Ann Edwards Oyen of Houston, passed away peacefully August 30, 2024. She was born in Hattiesburg, MS on October 6, 1929 to James Allen Edwards and Nettie Elizabeth Hood Edwards Beville. At age three, Nettie and Dorothy Ann moved to Ft. Worth where she spent her formative years. Ann attended Texas Women's University and subsequently transferred to the University of Texas graduating with a degree in home economics. Her first job was a teaching position in Victoria, Texas. Friends arranged a blind date for her with Don Oyen, a handsome chemical engineer who had relocated from New York to start up the E.I. DuPont plant in Victoria. After several dates and eating Ann's delicious homemade coconut cream pie, Don proposed. Ann and Don were married February 16, 1952 in First English Lutheran Church, Victoria. They worked together to raise two children in a loving home. Ann and Don were married for forty-six years until his passing in 1998.

In Ann's early years, she began to display leadership abilities. Ann was elected President of the Bio/Chem/Phys Club in high school. At Texas Women's University, she was elected President of the freshmen class. While at the University of Texas, the students of Caruthers Dormitory selected Ann to represent the dorm as a candidate for Bluebonnet Belle. She was interviewed by the Dean of UT, Arno "Shorty" Nowotny, Student Body President, Barefoot Sanders, and Daily Texan Editor, Ronnie Dugger. When was asked by Barefoot Sanders (who had bushy hair) what she thought of bushy-headed men, she boldly replied that she preferred bald-headed men because they had better manners. The other men laughed. She was one of eight beauties chosen to represent the University as a Bluebonnet Belle of 1950.

After Ann's children started school, she decided to return to teaching. For twenty years she taught Homemaking and Home & Family Living for seniors at Victoria High School. Ann was an innovative teacher who made her classes come alive with pie baking contests, mock weddings, and drills on good manners complete with table etiquette. Her classroom creativity was featured in a Victoria Advocate story and also on the local television station. Her students, fellow teachers, and friends were greatly loved. Ann kept in touch with many of them until her death.

Outside of school, Ann excelled at meal preparation and planning. She loved to try new recipes, host luncheons and dinner parties, preparing the food and hosting events flawlessly. She loved interior decorating and creating a lovely home. In later years, Ann served on the Altar Guild at Memorial Drive Lutheran Church.

Ann's knew that the Creator of the Universe had sent His only Son to die on a cross for her sins and her passing into his arms was peaceful. She was ready.

Ann's family is thankful for her life and the legacy she left.

Preceding her in death were her parents, stepfather, John Beville, and her husband, Donald Oyen.

She is survived by her daughter, Lise (Bo) Wall and son, John (Judith) Oyen, grandchildren Adam (Chelsea), Elizabeth (Tim), Rachel (Clint), Kathryn (Cody), Joshua, Juliana, and eight beloved great-granchildren.

Special thanks to Dorinda Coots, Princess Kallon, and the staff at StoneCreek of Copperfield.

A Memorial Service will be held in Houston.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to First English Lutheran Church Property Improvement Fun, 516 N. Main St., Victoria, TX 77901 or the charity of your choice.