Dorothy Jean Mitchell

Dorothy Jean Rogers Mitchell, 85, of Abilene, TX, passed away on August 27th, 2014. Visitation will be at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 31, 2014, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home with Pastor Wes Terry of Broadview Baptist Church and Burtis Williams, Chaplain for Hospice of the Big Country, officiating. Burial will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Dorothy was born Dorothy Jean Rogers on September 30, 1928, in Friona, Texas to Net and Fred Rogers. She had one sibling, Berneice Menefee. Dorothy experienced a full life, starting her career in California as a model, where she developed her keen sense of fashion. She was often told that she looked like Doris Day. She then worked in Las Vegas in its heyday; working in the legendary Stardust and Caesars Palace for over twenty years as a cashier. Later she moved to Colorado to run a horse ranch, then later to Florida. Dorothy, with her many canine companions, enjoyed travel. Despite her busy life she took time out for her family. She was a lively and entertaining aunt. However, she would quickly tell you that love for family did not completely fill the emptiness inside! At the age of fifty, Dorothy’s life was changed when she accepted Christ as her Savior. Dorothy would gladly tell you that was when the emptiness inside was filled with the love of Christ. In order to learn more about God, Dorothy moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to attend Kay Arthur’s Precept Ministries’ Training by Discipleship program. Dorothy was 52 years old, a bit older and wiser than most students, thus she was like a beloved big sister who was able to mentor and give loving advice to all. Dorothy moved from trying to find happiness to being happy and fulfilled serving Christ and helping and caring for others. After two years at Precept Ministries, she moved to Abilene to help her sister take care of numerous family members. Dorothy also continued her working career at Chase Bank (formerly Bank One) and at JRB Mechanical. During this time Dorothy cared for her sister and her sister's husband as they grew older, along with many others. In many ways Dorothy fulfilled her lifelong dream of being a nurse as she loved and cared for her family. Dorothy was always willing to help others, even if they didn’t ask. Dorothy, a member of Broadview Baptist Church, served as a greeter. This was the perfect spot for a vivacious, outgoing woman like Dorothy. Her zest for living and humor made her many lifelong friends. Dorothy will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Net and Fred Rogers, and her sister and her husband, Berneice and Jack Menefee. Dorothy is survived by niece, Kay Billings and husband, Randy, of Abilene; nephew, Mark Menefee and his family, wife, Kelley, of Cedar Park, son, Matt Menefee and family of Waco, and daughter, Tiffany Jacobs and family of El Paso; and several close cousins, Barbara Coskey and family of Las Vegas, Nevada, Charles Hicks of California, Sue and Gene Cox of California, and LeeRoy Nuttall. Pallbearers are Joe Alcala, Charles Johnson, Randy Billings, Mark Menefee, and Matt Menefee. Dorothy's family would like to say thanks to her many dear friends who came from near and far to give encouragement and care during her final months of life. Also, a special thanks to the wonderful nurses, caregivers, and therapists at Wisteria Place as well as Hospice of the Big Country. All were amazing, so patient, kind, and caring.