Dorothy Jean Lovell

How do you say good-bye to Dorothy Lovell? Those who know her may forever think of her on a beautiful blue-sky-white-puffy-clouds, gentle-breezes sort of day. Those who love her will feel her presence when they are sitting on a humble patio surrounded by nurtured flower beds and serenaded by noticeable birds, while sipping iced tea with friends. Those who have ever eaten with Dorothy will remember how you would have to just go ahead and start eating, rather than wait on her to sit down; you would just accept the fact that her idea of sharing meals was to leave no one un-served. While so much more could be said regarding her humor, her faith, and her deep love for family and friends, the most true reflection of Dorothy's life and legacy from her own essence will forever impact those who knew her when they hear old hymns being sung, lively gospel bluegrass music being played, children's instrument recitals, and spontaneous laughter. How do we say good-bye to this full-of-life Mom, Mammaw, Aunt, and dear friend? We give up. We just don't say good-bye. We joyfully see her off, wishing her godspeed in her next chapter where there will be no limits on her vast capacity to breathe fresh air, sing her heart out, and never be separated from those she loves. And we will live and breathe, in her honor, a deep reverence for the Lord and Savior who has completed her happiest thoughts as she enjoys Him in real, physical time, telling us "He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own."

Dorothy Collins was born to Gipson and Lois Collins on July 18, 1934 in Clarksville, TX, surrounded by the Hopewell Community developed by multiple generations of relatives. She became Dorothy Lovell in 1955 when she married her love, Rainey, honoring his name as his wife for almost 60 years. Together with Rainey she raised and cherished four children (and "mothered" others), becoming the matriarch of a close, loving tribe. In 1985, Dorothy added the role of Mammaw and never tired of supporting her grandkids, even when the number reached 17, and more when spouses and great-grands were added. The bulk of Dorothy and Rainey's years together were lived in Sachse, TX as kind neighbors and generous community members.

In Dorothy's later years, she inspired friends and strangers alike with her lively spirit, her timely wit, and her ever-flashing smile, undaunted by the hardship of memory loss and decline of mobility. She never lost the lines, "I love you, too," or "thank you," when most other sentence forms could no longer be found. She retained entire verses of beloved hymns and songs. Add to the list of those who will remember her, a host of loving care givers who know how true this writing of Dorothy's legacy is.

Dorothy Jean Lovell departed from this earth on May 4, 2021 at her home of 14 months, provided by the care of her daughter, Gina and family in Lone Oak, TX. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Rainey, her parents, and her sister, Alta Watson and brother, Arlie Collins. Her blessed survivors are her four children, Renee Bridgman and husband, Shawn, Alan Lovell and wife, Kelli, Gina Stroder and husband, Perry, and Debra Lovell; her grandchildren and great grands, Matthew Bridgman and wife, Kristin, Hillary Bridgman, Grant Bridgman and wife, Rachel and babies James and Julianna, Ian Bridgman and wife, Chelsea and baby Daxon, Susanna Bridgman and Dorothy (Dottie) Bridgman; Lacie Wafford and husband Nathan and baby Paisley, Angel Owens and husband Mike, and baby Ryder, Clara Mae Lovell, Rainey Lovell, Sadie Grace Lovell; Hannah Stroder, Seth Stroder, Emma Stroder and Rebekah Stroder, Jack Morrison, Sydney Morrison, and her loving niece (who Dorothy considered to be her own daughter), Dana Watson. Many other nieces and nephews, in-laws and "adopted" family friends numbering dozens also feel her absence.

Those wanting to join the celebration of Dorothy's life and legacy are heartily welcomed (as though invited by Dorothy, herself), to come Saturday, May 8 to New Liberty Baptist Church in Garland, TX. Viewing and visiting 10:00 – 10:45 am, and service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment following the service will be at the Sachse Cemetery, 6314 Sachse St., Sachse, TX 75048.

Service is being recorded and a link will be posted here at a later date for those unable to attend.