Dorothy Schmidt Spencer

Dorothy Mae Black was born in Harrison County, Texas, November 5, 1917 into a remarkable Texas pioneering family. Her parents were Irvin Lafayette Black and Mabel Thomas Black. She grew up in Hallsville with brothers, Thomas and Leonard. She began her education at the age of five, travelling to San Marcos on the train alone to live with her grandparents. She graduated from high school in Hallsville and received her bachelor’s degree in San Marcos after studying elementary education, psychology and art. She taught elementary school and was principal for almost forty years. She went to evening classes and summer classes to earn a Master’s Degree in elementary education.

She was married to A.C. “Smitty” Schmidt and had a daughter, Carla.

Her life-long interests included the family history, music, art and above all teaching young people. She was a gifted artist, working in oils, water colors, pastels and oil pastels. Her well-loved specialty was portraits.

Survivors included her daughter, Carla. grandchildren, Kristin and Jon, two sisters-in-law, Louise King and Lillie Matthews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Burnet. Interment will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 2:00pm at Memory Park in Longview, Texas.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas. Please visit www.clementswilcoxburnet.com for condolences.