Dorothy Richardson

Dorothy Ann Rutherford was born on May 14, 1930, in Forney, Texas, to Hazel and Sam Rutherford of Mesquite. Dorothy was the first born, of FIVE girls. She lived, and grew up, in Mesquite. She graduated from Mesquite High School in 1949 and was a member of the 1949 State Championship Girl's Basketball team. Dorothy met her life sweetheart, Joe Richardson, as a youngster, and they married on July 7, 1950. They had two children, Gwen and Kathy. Dorothy stayed at home for a while when the girls were little, then went to work at Florence Black Elementary School as their secretary. In 1963, she and Joe, decided to open a children's clothing shop in Mesquite- Guys and Gals Fashions. She left the school and opened their dream store in downtown Mesquite. After a few years, they decided to close the store and she went back to work for the school district. This time, she was the secretary at Shands Elementary School. She worked there until her retirement in 1973.

Dorothy and Joe loved to travel. They bought a motor home and traveled the United States and Canada for several years. Joe passed away in 1992. Dorothy still traveled with many of her dear friends. Trips to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, and other countries left her with wonderful memories.

Dorothy loved to do crafts with the girls when they were growing up. One of her favorite hobbies was making stained glass pieces. Her family still has many of her wonderful works. She also loved refinishing and restoring pieces of her family's furniture treasures.

Dorothy grew up in the First Christian Church of Mesquite and later in life, she and Joe became members of Eastridge Park Christian Church of Mesquite. She was a member of Triskellions and Mesquite Women's Club.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe, and son-in-law, Rick Worrell. She is survived by her daughters Gwen Worrell of Garland and Kathy Richardson of Dallas, her four precious sisters Sammye Anderson of Sunnyvale, Carolyn Stoddard, Lou Harper, and Sandra Ashabranner all of Houston and numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren Ricky Worrell of Lufkin and Rachel Perry and husband Hunter, of Nacogdoches, great grandchildren Latifah Fleniken and husband Alex, of Lufkin, Sophie Perry, Ella Perry and Slade Perry of Nacogdoches and two great great granddaughters Ellis Kate Fleniken and Caroline Fleniken of Lufkin and her sweet loving puppy companion, Cupcake.

The family wants to thank the wonderful caregivers Dorothy has had in the past few years including the staff from Longcreek Assisted Living and Memory Care, Notice Care Home and Merit Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made to:

Rutherford Elementary School

Attn: Lisa Roberson

PTO/PTA FUND

1100 Rutherford Drive

Mesquite, TX 75149

In Memory of Dorothy Rutherford Richardson