Betty Jo Forester-Thom-Dorsey

Early in life, Betty served her country during WWII, working at the Post Base Exchange, Sheppard Field. There she met E.M. Forester, whom she married in 1944. Making their home in Wichita Falls after the war, they had three children and became active in the bowling community. Betty was a very talented bowling coach for many years, involved with junior and senior programs.

In July, 1970, she married H.W. “Harold” Thom, a local businessman and oil production owner. They also shared a love for bowling. During their years together, Betty and Harold traveled extensively to promote the sport on a local, state and national level. Also during her years with Harold, Betty became active in the local Doe and Elks Lodge, where she was known for her love of dancing and fellowship.

In October, 1998, Betty married Bill Dorsey, a retired businessman from Carthage, TX. They were able to travel, seeing family and friends and enjoyed many years of happiness.

Betty was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a member of the Wichita Falls Bowling Association where she was a past president and a member of the Hall of Fame. She also was a member of the State Women’s Bowling Association where she was a director for nine years. Betty was a member of the Rebekah Lodge #164 where she was past Noble Grand. She participated in many local organizations and committees and her favorite past times were her family, friends and dancing.

She is survived by three children, Curlette Hennard and husband Ken of Cartersville, GA, Tim Forester of Wichita Falls and Vanessa Skinner of Gainesville, TX; sister, Margaret Coleman of Joy, TX; grandchildren, Jason, Laura, Heather, Ken, Nathan, Jena, Katrina, Billy, Kendall, Kourtney, Brooke, Stuart, Daron, Jessica and Skye; great grandchildren, Matthew, Elaina, Carson, Logan, Jacob, Blake, Zoey, Kloey, Jaxon, Olivia, Travis, Jade and Avery; numerous nieces and nephews.

She preceded in death by her husbands, E.M. Forester, H.W. Thom and Billy Edwin Dorsey, sister, Gracie Gilmore and brothers, Earl Dicken and J.E. Dicken.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Douglas Kabell officiating. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 – 8 PM Tuesday evening at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Pond, Rick Gearhart, Tommy Curran, Jay Don Powell, Dwain Powell and Jason Forester. Ushers will be Richard Harwell, Nathan Forester, Larry Dicken, Ken Hennard, Ken Cooper, Hershel Coleman and Gary Cook.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Hospice of Wichita Falls. Online condolences can be made at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com