Dorothy Glen Harper

Dorothy Glen Harper, of Abilene, passed away at Hendrick Medical Center on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 18 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church with Pastor Don Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Dorothy was born in San Antonio, Texas to Bess Mae and Jack Wallace Douglas on June 25, 1927. Her early childhood was spent in Scotia, California. Since her father was stationed in Florida during the war, she graduated from Miami High School. Dorothy attended the University of Texas, and then later in life after raising two children, graduated in 1983 with a Masters degree in Education from Hardin Simmons University. She was a beloved teacher and counselor at Hardin Simmons from 1983 to 1999 in the Irvin School of Education. Dorothy was a positive influence and mentor for many students during her teaching career, as well as an avid HSU sports fan. After retiring from teaching at Hardin Simmons, Dorothy continued to influence young lives as “Ms. Dot,” the receptionist at Ballet Abilene. Her sweet smile and words of encouragement greeted each dancer and parent when they walked through the door. In addition to her role as receptionist, she served many years on the Abilene Ballet Theatre Board of Directors and hosted the Regional Dance America/Southwest Festival in Abilene in 1993. Dorothy married Dr. O.E. Harper in 1975 and during their fourteen happy years of marriage they enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and summer vacations on the Texas coast. In addition to her love of dance and fine arts, Dorothy’s other interests included competitive horseback riding, intense family Scrabble games, gardening, reading, going to movies, all of her beloved cats and dogs (especially her collies) and all things pink. She cherished spending the holidays with her family, and loved to plan and prepare beautiful holiday dinners complete with lavish table settings. It is impossible to put into words the impact that Dorothy had on the many lives she touched during her lifetime. She was always the intelligent and compassionate counselor to her loved ones. Her love for her county, family and close friends knew no bounds, and her most treasured title was “Nanaw.” Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. O.E. Harper. She is survived by her daughter Nancy and husband Richard Gore, and son Doug Tillman; her grandchildren Lisa and husband Cary Etter, Eric Gore and wife Jessica of Austin, Laura Gore of Fort Worth, and Kevin Tillman of Flower Mound. Great grandchildren include Lily, Miles and Chloe Etter, Hudson and Harrison Gore. She is also survived by her sweet dog, Trixie. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Sue Gibson and the wonderful caregivers of Bethel Suites, Dr. Toby Williams and Nurse Angie, and the nurses and staff of Hendrick Medical Center. Memorials may be given to Rescue the Animals or Hardin Simmons University.