Dorothy was born to her parents A.G. Benford and Mary L Reese Benford on February 18, 1934 in Bastrop County, TX. Dorothy attended Austin Public Schools when the family moved to Austin in the early 40’s. She graduated from L.C. Anderson High School and then attended Huston -Tillotson college for 2 years. Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by her uncle Rev. S.L Evans Sr. The family united at Main East Austin Baptist Church ( now Mt Siani Missionary Baptist Church) under the pastoral leadership of Rev. S.L. Evans, Sr.
While at Main East Austin she partnered up with Sylvester Prosser (deceased) and had an addition to her family (a daughter) Carla Jean Benford Jones (Connie B. Jones) of Oklahoma City OK. Later she joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church in early 1960. She was an active member under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. E.M. Franklin until present Dr. B.W. McClendon.
Dorothy later married Willie Heard, Jr in 1966 and to this union three sons were born. David Heard, of Milton, WA, Marvin Heard (Dafney) of Dallas, TX and Eric Heard (Sheila)of Austin, TX.
Dorothy had many interest besides baking, gardening, help raising kids, working jigsaw puzzles, playing word games, playing dominos, and quilting. She was active in her church choirs and missionary works at church. She was a regular at Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center. Her home away from home daily.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Isom & Viola Reese, siblings Artiste Benford, Mary Evelyn Gage, Geraldine Wright and John Benford, also a grandson Michael Travis Jones.
She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, thirteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and five great- great grandchildren, and her last loving aunt Viola Faye Gooden of Bastrop, TX and a host of relatives and friends. Dorothy loved family and family loved her.
Thank you for your services South Point Memory Care Staff of Oklahoma City, OK and Emerald Hospice of Oklahoma.
A visitation will be held at Fuller Sheffield Funeral Services, located at 2808 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78702, on February 26, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Celebration of Life service is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at 2:30 pm at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3417 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78721.
The final resting place will be at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, on February 27, 2026.
