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Dorothy Jean Cherry-Hood went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12th, 2023. She is survived by her three children; Larry Townsend, Gail Townsend and husband David Cook, Rick Hood and wife Theresa; her three grandchildren Sean Melancon, Justin Townsend, and Preston Hood; her great-grandson Christian Melancon; her two nephew’s Dave Clark and wife Sharion, and Rich Bouldin; her three nieces Lisa Clark, Cynthia Rutherford and Paula Wulff. Dorothy was a caring and devoted Christian Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Neighbor, and friend to anyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path. She lived a blessed Christian life for most of her 94 years, but she fought a fierce battle during the last six months to stay in this world and be with her loved ones. Her greatest strength was compassion and it manifested in her willingness to help others. Because of this talent, she ultimately spent most of her working life as a customer service supervisor teaching people how to help others. She loved to sew and regularly made clothes for herself and for her family. She also loved to shop and took pride in finding great sales while using coupons to always get the best possible deal. Dorothy was born in Arkadelphia, AR on December 13th, 1928. She was the only child of Joseph Dow Cherry and Eva O’Bryan Cherry. While growing up during the Great Depression in Ft Smith, AR, her family lived with Dorothy’s aunts and uncles much of the time. They moved multiple times during her middle school and high school years. This was mostly due to her father’s occupation and many talents. During her freshman year alone, they moved from Hobbs, NM to Waco, TX, then back to Hobbs, NM, and ultimately to Dallas, TX. In Dallas, they finally settled in the Bishop Arts area of Oak Cliff. She graduated Adamson HS in 1945 and later attended SMU. While Dorothy was at Adamson high school in Dallas, TX, she met her first husband, Allan Townsend at Kid Springs during her Sophomore year. They married in 1949 and had two children (Larry & Gail Townsend). They later divorced in 1954 and Dorothy met her second husband, Bill Hood, (also in Dallas) while working at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a customer service representative. She married Bill on June 18th, 1955. They had another child (Rick Hood) and the family later moved to San Antonio during the 1968 World’s Fair (Hemisphere). She worked for SWBTC for 33 years and retired in 1983 at age 55. She spent most of her retirement years as a caregiver for her mother Eva, and later for her husband, Bill. Eva left us on December 29th, 2003, and Bill passed away on June 14th, 2013. His funeral was held on their 58th wedding anniversary. During the war while living in Hobbs, New Mexico, Dorothy had the privilege of having dinner with Jimmy Stewart while he was in the Air Force (Prior to filming “It’s a Wonderful Life”). Later in life, on two separate occasions, she was honored to meet and speak with President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton. She had these opportunities primarily due to her relationship with her cousin: Jennings Osborne. Jennings was well known for his generosity as well as for the annual Christmas light displays at his Little Rock home, the Arkansas State Capital, and Disney World. According to Merriam-Webster, the (noun) definition of a “Mother” is a female parent, or a woman of authority. The verb definition of a “Mother” is to give birth to, produce, or bring up (a child) with care and affection. Dorothy Hood far exceeded every definition and common trait of a mother. She was sometimes a stern “Mama Bear”, but always caring, supportive, motivating, and generous. She was a great teacher of life that constantly led by example. She prayed faithfully and consistently for everyone, and especially for those she loved; just as the Christian faith teaches us to do. Dorothy was always congenial and loving in a truly simple, yet elegant, style. She lived her life through her faith in Jesus as she was taught by her mother, Eva Cherry. Eva lived to be 94 as well. They’re together again in heaven and sadly we’re left behind for now, until we all meet again. Each one of us is truly blessed by the gift of having known Dorothy Hood.

Tributes

Dorothy J. Cherry-Hood

December 13, 1928 - April 12, 2023