Dorothy J. Cranfill

Dorothy J. Cranfill, 87, died Saturday, May 8, 2010 at an Abilene nursing center. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 10, in Elmwood Memorial Park with David Cranfill and Richard Melton officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Dorothy was the daughter of Bertha (Bragewitz) and Herman W. Cathey. She was born on April 25, 1923 in Oglesby, Texas, the oldest of eight children. She attended school in Gatesville, Texas. Dorothy married Milton Charles "M.C." Cranfill on June 30, 1940 in Gatesville. She and her husband, M.C. have been residents of Abilene since 1951. Dorothy was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was an accomplished seamstress and hobbiest. Dorothy and M.C. have been members of Southern Hills Church of Christ since 1980. This beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her son, Travis W. Cranfill in 1998; parents; two brothers, Loyd Cathey and Curtis Cathey; and sister, Adeline White. Survivors include her loving husband, M.C. Cranfill of Abilene; dedicated daughter-in-law, Patsy Cranfill of Abilene; two grandchildren, Darby Ahlfinger and husband Scott, and David Cranfill and wife, Stephanie; and three great-grandchildren, G. Travis, Cassidy and Jaxton. Dorothy is also survived by four brothers, Paul Cathey, Jack Cathey, Orville Cathey and Harold Cathey, and several nieces and nephews.