May 12, 1940 - August 31, 2025
Dorothea Holley Williams, age 85, of Shallowater and McKinney, Texas passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025 in the loving arms of her two boys. She was born May 12, 1940 to Jim and Leta Faye Holley in rural Paris, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Williams, and is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Shannon Williams, of Argyle; her son, Stace Williams, of McKinney; her granddaughters, Paige and Brooke Williams; her sister, Norma Holley; and several nieces and nephews.
In the early 1960's, she graduated with distinction from Design & Tailoring School in Lubbock. For decades, Dorothea worked as a professional seamstress, sewed for the general public, and designed original cheerleading and twirling outfits at both Idalou and Shallowater schools. She later served as the cafeteria supervisor at Shallowater ISD and was a dedicated Mustang booster.
She was generally regarded as the very best cook in town. From her trademark cinnamon rolls to chicken fried steak and salmon croquettes to an assortment of pies, cakes and cookies, Dorothea’s cooking was beyond compare. Her endearing legacy, though, was her role as “second mom” to literally hundreds of young kids that came through the cafeteria lunch line. She never met a little one she didn’t love and always made the time to show attention. Children were her passion.
Pallbearers will be Troy Johnson, Bobby Lee Freeman, Bill Easter, Lance Foerster, Jeff Feinglas and Paul Thorson. Funeral ushers will be Aaron Morris, Dereck Blair, Scott Gilmore and Royking Potter.
Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Resthaven Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at First Baptist Church-Shallowater with interment to follow at noon in Resthaven Memorial Park.
Once sweet Dorothea is laid to rest, please join us for a Celebration of Life at 1:30pm on Saturday afternoon at The Dorothea Williams Cafetorium in the Shallowater Elementary School. Food, drink and live music will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you direct memorials/donations to the Dorothea Williams Scholarship Fund coordinated through Shallowater First State Bank. All proceeds will be matched 10:1 by family.
