Dorothy Jean Kendrick

Dorothy Kendrick, 99, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in Austin, Texas. Dorothy Jean Mees was born August 24, 1918, in Charlotte, NC to Beulah Howell and Curtis Mees. She lived there until moving to San Francisco in 1929 where her father, a civil engineer, was hired along with others from across the country to desalinate San Francisco Bay. When that attempt failed, the family moved to Atlanta, GA, where she graduated from North Fulton High School at age 16. From there she went to Randolph-Macon Woman's College where she was a member of Phi Mu and graduated in 1938 with a BA in French. After a brief stint at National Cash Register, she married the love of her life, William Richard Kendrick (Dick), September 4, 1940. They left immediately for Texas to travel the state for the next year, as Dick called on every soda fountain for Coca Cola. Settling in Austin, Fort Worth, Waco, and Dallas by 1949, the Presbyterian churches in those cities held friends they made for life. With William Richard Kendrick, Jr.'s birth in 1942, and Mary Ann in 1945, Dot served as Room Mother, Brownie leader, Young Couples' Sunday School teacher, Sewing Club member, Women of the Church Circle leader, and much more. Because of their outstanding volunteerism, the family was recognized as Family of the Year at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in the mid 50's. The year 1957 brought the family's last move—to Abilene, TX. Dot loved First Central Presbyterian Church where she served as Sunday School teacher, Circle Bible Study leader, and Elder. When Cooper High School of Abilene opened in 1960, Dot became the French teacher, retiring after 20 years. Not having prepared to teach, she had to secure teaching certification for the state of Texas. Dot found it especially strange—and funny—that she was required to take Texas history since she'd not taken that course during her school years! In Abilene, Dot was a member of Thursday Forum and Abilene Woman's Club where she participated in the Investment Club and Scholarship Committee. Dot is survived by her son Bill and wife, Maxine of Ranger, TX; daughter Mary Ann and husband Joseph Chaffin Benson, Jr. of Austin, TX; sister Mary O'Callaghan of Jacksonville, FL; and grandchildren Kim Kendrick Link and husband Tim of Cumming, GA, Jeannie Kendrick Ramirez and husband Rick of Frisco, TX, Lochwood Larson and wife Brandy of Richardson, TX. JCB, lll (Trey) and wife Sarah of Austin, TX, Richard Kendrick Benson of Tacoma, WA, and Charles Morrison Benson and wife Lindsey of Katy, TX. Great-grandchildren include JCB lV (Dru), Charles Weston Benson, and Lauren Kelley Benson of Austin, TX; Rowan Catherine Benson of Tacoma, WA; Richard Nash Benson, Maeve Allen Benson, and Rosemary Lane Benson of Katy, TX; Mia Elizabeth Ramirez and Whitney Bree Ramirez of Frisco, TX. Dot was preceded in death by her husband Dick; brothers Curtis Mees and Don Mees; brother-in-law James O'Callaghan; sister-in-law Rosemary Mees; nephew Jimbo O'Callaghan; and niece Andrea (Bunny) Mees. We are so grateful to those who helped care for Mom in recent years and days. They are Christine Martinez, Mary Jo Ingram, and Maria Holt who helped us at home; Josette Reyna, Ursula Alexander, Felicia McNeil, and Taylor Holmes of Legacy Oaks; Jayme Wilson with Hospice Austin, and a super volunteer and new friend, Heather Lavie. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon at First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene on Friday, May 11th, officiated by Dr. Clifford S. Stewart and Dr. Janice Six, under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St., Abilene, TX 79601, or Abilene Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, 3425 South 14th St, Abilene, TX 79605.