Dorothy Miller Hembree of McKinney, Texas, passed away October 3, 2023, at the age of 89. She was born on February 19, 1934, to E.C. and Ella Mae Miller in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dorothy was a valedictorian graduate of Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth. She then attended Baylor University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and History, and served as the 1957 permanent Class Secretary. During her years at Baylor, she spent one summer as a missionary in Hawaii. There she met James O. Hembree, who was a Marine stationed there at the time. After her graduation, they were married, and she began teaching in Fort Worth. After a short time in Houston, then in Denver, Colorado, they returned to Richardson, Texas, where they lived for 30 years, and were active members of First Baptist Church, Richardson. Dorothy especially loved singing in the choir and was a devoted member of the Goldenaires senior adult choir for years. Dorothy had a long career as an elementary teacher, impacting many students’ lives during her years. She retired with over 30 years of service. They moved to McKinney in 1999, and shortly thereafter joined First Baptist Church, McKinney. Dorothy was a devoted volunteer at Mission Regan and continued serving there until just a few months ago. She lived an active life, and loved her family, participating in all her children’s and grandchildren’s activities every chance she had. She will be missed so much by all who knew and loved her.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie C. and Ella Mae Miller, her brother, Ed Miller and her loving husband, James O. Hembree.
She is survived by her daughters, Laura Heinrichs (and husband Darrell) of McKinney, Carol Messick (and husband Carter) of Dallas, and Susan Armstrong (and husband Brent) of McKinney; grandchildren Emily Messick of Dallas, Hunter Heinrichs of McKinney, Christopher Armstrong (and wife Brittany and precious great-grandson) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Allison Armstrong of Austin, Texas, Michael Messick (and wife Kali) of Bakersfield, California, and Kimberly Armstrong of McKinney; and many family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2023, at First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 West Louisiana Street, McKinney, Texas 75069.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mission Regan in McKinney, Texas. https://www.missionregan.org/donate