Dorothy "Lulu" Bedell of Dallas, Texas passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 67. She was born on December 22, 1958 to Raymond Lankard Barr and Dorothy Maxine (Wells) Barr in Midland, Texas. She was raised in Northeast Texas, notably in Allen, where she shone brightly through her school years as a talented athlete; both as a cheerleader and a gifted basketball player.
Lulu was blessed with a daughter, Kari, from her first marriage to her high school sweetheart, Gary Lawhorn, who she was with for over eight years, and remained close ever since.
Her heart found love again with Sandy Bedell, and together they created a life filled with cherished moments for over ten years. Lulu's professional journey saw her working as a court reporter and a concierge for legal matters, later contributing her skills to administrative services in home healthcare. But all her accomplishments pale in comparison to the joys she found in family.
Her daughter, Kari, and husband Rodney brought immense pride to her life, and nothing brought her more joy than her grandson, River. Lulu was an avid movie watcher and the two shared frequent trips to the movies, a tradition that highlighted her love for quality time together.
Lulu had a special way of lighting up a room the moment she walked in. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine spirit touched the hearts of many. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Lulu is survived by her daughter, Kari Smith and husband, Rodney of Van Alstyne, Texas; grandson, River Smith also of Van Alstyne, Texas; brother, Oscar Barr and wife, Linda of Bedford, Texas; brother, Floyd Tolle and wife, Bonnie of Englewood, Florida; brother, Donnie Tolle of Connecticut; sisters, Elaine Thomas and husband, Roy of Sumner, Texas, Sandy Armbruster of Midland, Texas, and Linda Pittmann and husband, Wyatt of Paris, Texas; brother, Tommy Barr and wife, Carol of Allen, Texas; and sister, Georgia Taylor and husband, Kirk also of Allen, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, George and Leroy Barr.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, February 6, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Dorothy’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/dorothy-lulu-bedell. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.