Dorothy Gillum Badgett went to be with the Lord on November 18, 2024, in The Woodlands, Texas. She was born on January 20, 1935, in Oakalla, Texas. She was the oldest of three children born to John Henry and Dantie Gillum. Her brothers were Ronald Henry and John Edward Gillum.
Dorothy graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas in 1953 and then attended Lee College in Baytown. She married the love of her life, Roy Donnie Badgett, in 1953 and went to work for the Humble Oil & Refining Company (Exxon) in Baytown in 1954. Dorothy and Donnie moved to Lompoc, California later that year when Donnie was drafted into the Army. Dorothy worked as a secretary at the Army prison where Donnie was stationed during his 18 month post. She resumed her career at the Humble Refinery in Baytown in 1956 upon Donnie’s discharge from the Army. Dorothy retired from Exxon after a 30 year career in 1986 as an Office Supervisor in the Mechanical Division.
After retirement, Dorothy and Donnie moved to Dayton, Texas in 1986 where they loved spending time with family and friends. Dorothy worked as a substitute teacher at Dayton High School and at Dayton State Bank. In 1996, she joined the Board of Directors of the Exxon Retiree Club where she served as Membership Secretary for 20 years. During this time, she also served on the Board of Directors of the Mutual Benefit Association and the Committee for Discharged Patients of San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown. Dorothy and Donnie moved to The Woodlands, Texas in 2020 to be closer to family.
Dorothy’s loving husband of 66 years, Donnie, preceded her in death in 2020. She is survived by their beloved daughter Roilyn Lentz and husband Douglas; granddaughters Brittany Raiford and husband Bradley and Kaitlyn Beck and husband John; and great grandchildren Beckett Raiford, Sebastian Raiford, Rowan Raiford, and Liam Beck. She also has numerous nephews, nieces, grand nephews, and grand nieces.
Dorothy will be greatly missed, fondly remembered and forever loved by those of us fortunate enough to have known her.
Funeral Services will be held at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas 77521 on Monday, November 25, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM followed by a service at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas 77521. All those that wish to honor Dorothy’s memory are invited to attend.
