Dorothy Ann Harris Wimberley

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dorothy Ann Harris Wimberley announces that she was called home on September 30, 2021.  We mourn the loss of our matriarch: beloved mother, cherished grandmother, adored great-grandmother.  Despite our grief, we rejoice in the knowledge that she has been welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior, in whom she will find everlasting peace and rest.  We also delight in knowing she has at last been reunited with her loving husband, Daniel R. Harris, Jr.

Dorothy Ann was born on March 2, 1933 in Abilene, TX, to Homer Hulon and Anna Lee (Stevenson) Harrison.  She was the eldest of three children.  Dorothy Ann learned the value of hard work at an early age.  During her time as a student at Abilene High School, she went to work at Mack Eplen’s Driveateria.  Her brothers have often fondly recounted through the years their memories of the leftover pies she never failed to bring home.  At the age of 18, Dorothy Ann began working for Southwestern Bell as an operator.  This career would span more than four decades and would see her rise to several leadership roles as the company grew and transitioned to the digital era.  She also formed many lifelong friendships during her time with the telephone company. 

Dorothy Ann married Daniel R. Harris, Jr. in May of 1954.  Together, they raised one son, Michael Lee.  Through the years, their careers took them to Odessa, and then to Midland, TX.  While in Odessa, they were members of Sherwood Baptist Church and Dorothy Ann was a member of the Floyd Easterling Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, ultimately serving as Worthy Matron in 1972.  After their retirement, they moved back to Abilene and spent many happy years traveling the country in an RV with dear friends, family, and their beloved miniature schnauzer, Cricket.

After Daniel’s death in 1998, Dorothy Ann went searching for new experiences and adventures and found a new passion in square dancing.  She threw her whole heart into it – it wasn’t long before her closets were filled with tulle and ruffled skirts and blouses and so many glittery accessories that brought her so much joy.  It was at the Wagon Wheel Square Dance Hall that she met Paul Wimberley, who shared her love for dancing.  They were married in December of 2006 and shared several years dancing and traveling, visiting family and friends.  Together, they were active members of Zion Lutheran Church.

Dorothy Ann was the center of our family’s universe.  She had the gift of hospitality and hosted a large gathering of extended family -- and friends who had become family – every Thanksgiving.  Her banana trifle was legendary and that recipe will be shared for generations to come.  She was intensely devoted to her son, grand-daughters, and great-grandchildren.  She remained close to her brothers and their wives throughout her life, as well as her many nieces and nephews.  She was the definition of graciousness and an example for us all.  She will forever be in our hearts and cherished in our memories.

Dorothy Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Hulon and Anna Lee Harrison; her brother, John Harrison; her aunt, Ida Mae Stickland; her husband, Daniel R. Harris, Jr.; and husband, Paul E. Wimberley. 

She is survived by her brother, Charles Harrison and wife Lorna of Abilene, TX; her sister-in-law, Rita Harrison of Lincoln, NE; her son, Michael Harris, of Abilene, TX; her granddaughters, Jennifer Harris of Gig Harbor, WA, Julie Gutierrez and husband Alanzo of Melissa, TX, and Jessica Holt and husband Kyle of Melissa, TX; her three great-granddaughters, Kenzie, Leighton, and Elliot; and her nieces and nephews, Cheri Harrison, Sean Harrison, Cindy Harrison Hess, Lisa Sillman, Jeff Spicka and Cheryl Biesterfield.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30pm on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. 

Services will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home at 9:00am on Monday, October 4, 2021.  Interment will be held at Elmwood Memorial Park immediately following.  Pallbearers will be Charles Harrison, Alanzo Gutierrez, Kyle Holt, Gaylan Hess, and Zachary Davis.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation for the loving care Dorothy Ann received from a personal friend, Brittany Brannon, and from Lacey Roe and Denise Weaver of Encompass Health Hospice.  We will always be grateful for the care provided her by the loving and qualified team of doctors, nurses, and staff within the Encompass Health System.