Mary Lou Dodds Middleton, age 81, of Victoria, Texas passed away peacefully with her two daughters by her side. Mary Lou was born the fourth child to the late Charles Robert and Johnnie Harris Dodds in Brownwood, TX on the 27th of May 1943.
Mary Lou grew up in both Brownwood and Bangs, Texas. She attended school at Coggin Elementary, Bangs Elementary, and Brownwood High School. There was always a special place in her heart for the Brownwood Lions.
Upon graduating from Howard Payne University, Mary Lou began her lifelong commitment to education. She taught at Goliad Junior High School, Patti Welder Middle School and retired from Crain Middle School.
It was during her first-year teaching in Goliad that Mary Lou met the love of her life, L. C. Middleton. Together they raised two daughters, Joan Courtney Middleton (partner Timothy Smith) and Mary Natalie Middleton Motal (husband Eric), all of Victoria. Her most joyful moments were spent with her grandsons, who lovingly referred to her as Lulu, Ashton Sides (wife Bekah) and Keaton Sides. Mary Lou was anxiously awaiting the October arrival of her great grandson, Weston Sides.
Mary Lou had many interests and talents. She enjoyed genealogy, china painting, embroidery, crocheting, oil painting, sewing, gardening, cooking, dancing, fishing, collecting teapots and cookbooks. She always had a good book in hand. Mary Lou never came across an antique store she couldn’t find something she needed to complete a set. She enjoyed watching the hummingbirds flutter around the many zinnias in her yard. Mary Lou was also a proud member of Daughters of the American Revolution. All these interests and talents were shared with her grandsons who enjoyed doing whatever it was, as long as they were with their Lulu and snacks were involved.
In addition to her daughters and grandson’s, Mary Lou is survived by her brother, Johnny Ivan Dodds and sisters-in-law, Karen Coppock Dodds and Donna Thomas Dodds; brothers-in-law Larry Middleton, Michael Middleton and wife Linda; sister-in-law Evelyn Woodard and husband Larry; nieces, Shauna Dodds and husband James King, Sarah Dodds and fiancé Brandon Aquilar, Emily Dodds and husband Jason Lifsey, Sherri Middleton Marvin and husband Sean, Rhonda Alm and husband Brad; nephews, Greg Dodds and wife Bradlee, Brian Dodds and wife Christe, Shawn Middleton, Shane Middleton and Chad Middleton; along with numerous great nephews and nieces.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband, L.C. Middleton; granddaughter, Rivers Finley Sides; sister, Barbara Joan Dodds; and brother, Charles Robert “Charlie Bob” Dodds.
A visitation for Mary Lou will be held Friday, July 19, 2024 from ten o’clock until eleven o’clock in the morning at Rosewood Funeral Chapels, 3304 Mockingbird Lane. Following the visitation, a Memorial Service will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning led by Rev. Bard Letsinger.
Mary Lou wanted her celebration of life to be a joyous occasion, so the family invites you to wear colorful clothing.
The family extends a special thank you to Citizens Medical Center ER and ICU staff, as well as Hospice of South Texas and the Dornberg Center for their amazing compassionate care.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude for memorial contributions to be directed towards Hospice of South Texas, 605 E Locust, Victoria, TX 77901.
We also invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by visiting www.rosewoodfuneralshapel.com.
