Dorothy Elizabeth Andrews, age 91, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on Saturday, April 14th. Dorothy was a proud Austin native and lifelong member of First Baptist Church.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Magnolia Elizabeth Turpen and Joe Turpen, her husband, John Rabb Andrews, her brother, Joe Francis Turpen, her granddaughter, Lauren Andrews, and her grandson, Johnny Andrews.
She is survived by her sons, Terry Andrews and his wife Cathy, Gary Andrews and his wife Esther, Tom Andrews and his wife Bopha, Billy Andrews and his wife Debbie; her daughter, Jonthy Williams; grandchildren, Heather Scott, Airon Andrews, and Gary Andrews; and great grandchildren, Nathan, Holly, and Samantha Scott.
Dorothy graduated from Austin High School in 1937 and The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Sociology in 1941. She was employed by the Austin Parks and Recreation (where she met her future husband, John), the Methodist Student Union, and later, at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Dorothy loved the professors that relied on her secretarial skills. She loved the people she worked with in all her jobs.
She was a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist church for decades. In 1968, her class was named the Business Women's Class. Almost 30 years later, the class changed its name to the Dorothy Andrews Class in honor of their beloved teacher. Throughout their years together, as these women matured from college coeds to retirees and beyond, they took care of each other.
Dorothy's favorite group of friends called themselves "The Widders". The womens' husbands were serving their country in World War II and the group found comfort and support in their bi-monthly get-togethers to share news of family and friends. Fortunately, none of "The Widders" lost a husband in combat. Over the years many of the group have passed away. Dorothy, however, still met with her two old friends, Clara Nell Broadbent, and Gilly Chelf, for lunch every other Thursday. Dorothy and Gilly even convinced their daughters, Jonthy, Pat, and Sandy to become the new generation of the group.
Dorothy was deeply loved by her family and she participated in each of their lives with generosity, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. Her children were at her bedside the day that she died. She will always live on in their hearts as a teacher of what it is to be fully human.
Visitation will be at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard on Tuesday, April 17th, from 6-8 p.m. Graveside service will be at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18th at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drive. A memorial service will follow at First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18th.
Honorary contributions in Dorothy's name can be made to the First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
Dorothy's family invites friends and family to join us afterward at our home at 5312 Buffalo Pass, Austin, TX 78745 for fellowship and refreshments.