Dortha Jean Blair Bennett

Dortha was born in Kilgore, Texas to C.H. {Shorty) Blair and Zelma Stinson Blair. Raised in Pampa, this Pampa High School graduate was always proud to be from the “Top o’ Texas, which gave her a slightly skewered sense of direction. Everywhere else was always “Down”. Dortha would not only travel “Down” to Houston, but also “Down” to New York City.

After earning her Bachelor of Music degree with “All-Level” teaching credential from Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, Texas, Dortha was immediately hired by ECISD, though not as a music teacher, but as a girl’s PE teacher at Zavala Elementary. Noticing some of Dortha’s enhanced curriculum changes, the administration asked Dortha to give an end of year in-service session to the PE faculty, which was probably not too well received. Fortunately for Dortha, a music opening became available the next year, and she became the second music teacher at Ireland Elementary.

On November 21, 1961, Dortha married Ronald Bennett at the First Presbyterian Church, where she had been singing in the choir.

Following a leave of absence she took when their son, Ron, was born in 1963, Dortha finished her teaching career as the music teacher at San Jacinto Elementary where she inspired many students to pursue musical aspirations. She then resigned to devote more time to family matters. Not one to slow down, Dortha managed to keep busy. She was active in the music program of the First Christian Church where her husband was the choir director. She worked in the Christian Womens’s Fellowship. She had a beautiful contralto voice that brought joy to many people.

Highlights of Dortha’s life included: in 1962, Dortha was the alto soloist in the first performance of “Messiah”, performed by the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale under the direction of Lara Hoggard. Dortha was also active in the Permian Playhouse and sang the role of Bloody Mary in South Pacific that was the first production in the present playhouse building when it opened in 1966. She reprised the role in 1977, winning the best actress award. Dortha was active in the Odessa Cultural Council, the Modern Gardeners, the Burnet PTA, and the state PTA organization. She was a member of the Ladies of the Globe, an organization that preceded the present Jullets. For 22 years she was active in the Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, where she enjoyed working in the surgical waiting room and the coffee shop. Dortha was the election judge for precinct 204 at Burnet Elementary for 25 years. She ran a tight ship, seeing to it that the rules were obeyed, and she never had a contested box. In 1982 , she was awarded “The Volunteer of the Yaar” by the Odessa Cultural Council. In 1989, she received the “Heritage of Odessa Community Statesman Award” in the area of Community Service. Dortha volunteered to head the Box Office of the Permian Playhouse for 10 years. When the “Mansion Dinner Theatre” was taken over by the Country Squire, she agreed, after much persuasion, to manage the Box Office at that venue. This started a new era, as she had to become adept at handling professional actors. She was good at it. Her favorite story was when a woman called requesting to speak to James McArthur, who was performing at that time. When told that he had just left the building, the woman requested that Dortha tell Mr. McArthur that his mother had called. Dortha suddenly realized that she was speaking to Helen Hayes!! They enjoyed a lengthy chat discussing the joy of having worthwhile sons. Dortha was a preferred singer for weddings and funerals for Father James Bridges while he served St. Mary’s Catholic Church. When St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was built, Father Bridges asked Dortha to be the soloist and lead the 9:00 am Traditional Service. Having already accepted the position of choir director at Asbury United Methodist Church, this meant that for three years she would sing the service at St. Elizabeth, and then race to Asbury for the 10:30 am rehearsal for the 10:45 am service. Dortha was a charter member of the Tuesday Morning Music and Arts Club, which is affiliated with the Texas Federation of Music Clubs and the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her dedicated service led to her being requested to serve as president of the Texas Music Teachers Association of Music Clubs from 2005 through 2007. Because her husband had been a member of the Texas Music Teachers Association for many years, she assisted wherever she could at association conventions. In 2007, Dortha became the third person awarded the status of Honorary Member of the organization. Dortha was a founding member of the PROS organization, volunteers who work with the Odessa Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Center in providing help in hosting events. As a fun thing to do, Dortha, her sister Barbara Shinn, and friends JoAnn Steel, Kristin Hagelstein, and Judy DeWees formed “The Dusty Dollies”, a singing group which performed over 150 times for Club programs, nursing homes, conventions, and Music City Mall. Dortha was also famous for her banana nut bread, which for several years resulted in baking over 200 loaves for Christmas presents. The past few years presented multiple difficult health issues, which she faced with dignity and courage. In spite of her constant discomfort, Dortha always greeted friends with her courageous signature smile.

Dortha is survived by her husband of fifty three years, Ronald; her son, Ron, and his husband, Jim Ring, of New York City; her sister, Barbara Shinn, and her husband, Don. Special extended family members include Donna and John Harrington of Midland, Penni Howell-Chambers of Santa Fe, NM and Dr. Jennifer Riggs of Albuquerque, NM.

Family will receive visitors at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, January 16. Funeral services will be at First Christian Church at 10:00 am Saturday, January 17, 2015.

“In lieu of donations, please send flowers”.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.