Florence A. Doswell

March 23, 1912 – October 30, 2012

Successful Business Woman and Compassionate Philanthropist

Florence began her journey in Stamford, Texas on March 23, 1912. She grew up in the boomtowns spawned by the developing petroleum industry, moving often and living in such places as Eldorado, Arkansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma and finally Pampa, Texas. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1930.

After an early 13 year marriage, Florence moved to Dallas. It was during World War II and she enrolled in business school. She became a skilled office manager and in 1952 married Houston Doswell, a successful oil and gas producer. She learned about the petroleum industry by working side by side with her husband for 22 years. Houston passed away in 1974 after a prolonged battle with cancer and Florence continued to run the business.

During Houston’s illness, Florence developed a deep sense of appreciation for the nursing profession and became interested in contributing to the development of nurses for the community. This interest led to her making significant contributions to the School of Nursing at Texas Woman’s University. The school acknowledged her generosity by naming the Dallas campus school – “The Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell School of Nursing”. She called the nursing students at TWU, “her girls”. Due to her passion for helping others, she also made significant contributions to UT Southwestern and the Salvation Army.

In 2009, Florence founded the Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell Foundation that contributes to manyl local charitable operations, including the North Texas Food Bank, Dallas Life and Hope Cottage.

Florence loved life. She traveled the world and always had wonderful stories to tell. Her love of life and her smile were contagious and it was always a pleasure to be in her company. At her 100th birthday, she had 100 guests who described her as a “dear friend”,” great lady”, “elegant red head”, “endearing role model”, “amazing woman”, “my hero”, “an angel in disguise”, “First Lady of Preston Tower”, “bright light”, and “a sensational, glamorous, generous, witty and kind person all in one package”. Her doctor wrote “It takes great genes, healthy living, a little luck, a few unproven vitamin supplements and a sensible doctor to make it to 100 – I think you have them all”.

Florence’s journey with us ended on October 30, 2012. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, aunt and friend, but in common to us all, she was a wonderful friend. We all had our own “Auntie Mame”. She believed that of all the moments she gathered in her lifetime, those shared with others were the most cherished. She truly left us with very special memories.

Florence was preceded in death by her four siblings, Doyle, Mary Catherine, Sybil and Dorothy. She is survived by her two nephews and their wives, Carl and Sharon Johnston of Irving and Kenneth and Beverly Fricke of Granite Falls, Washington and many grand nieces and nephews.