Dorothy West Gallien

She was blessed to live 95 years and now has joined a heavenly family who preceded her including, her parents, Charles and Ollie; two sisters, Helen and Ruby; four brothers, Charles, Joseph, Dave, and Billy; son, Wallace Jr.; and grandson, Matthew; extended family; and many friends. She ascends from her earthly home leaving an indelibly imprinted legacy of kindness, generosity and special moments that continue to touch the lives of all the people who entered her circle of influence.

Dorothy West Gallien was born in Galveston, Texas on January 11, 1930, to Charles and Ollie West. Her Texas roots fueled the drive to distinguish herself with neighborhood friends during community activities, at Sunday worship services and amongst classmates and teachers. Her exuberant spirit carried her from elementary school through college. She graduated from Texas Southern University and later earned a Master of Science Degree in Speech Pathology from Our Lady of the Lakes University. Dorothy accepted our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a young girl and began her spiritual walk.

Dorothy met Wilbert Shackelford, a decorated, proud, and honorable soldier in the United States Army. His debonaire charm, good looks and persistence wooed her to the altar, and then to Anchorage, Alaska where he was stationed. Their union resulted in the birth of a beautiful and treasured daughter, Sabrina Shackelford;. and a strong and cherished son, Gregory Shackelford. Dorothy subsequently married Wallace Gallien, a union that gave birth to two wonderful sons, Wallace Gallien, Jr., and Wesley Gallien.

Following her times in Houston, Texas and Anchorage, Alaska, Dorothy found her way, in 1973, to Los Angeles, California where she lived a very full life. Dorothy was valued by students and their families as a Speech Pathologist, praised as a passionate advocate for youth during her tenure at Big Brothers and Sisters of America, hailed as a student-centered teacher at Normandie Avenue Elementary School and Henry Clay Middle School, and acknowledged as a committed congregant in her church home, Crenshaw Christian Center pastored by Dr. Fredrick K.C. Price. Dorothy also took enormous pride and experienced tremendous satisfaction as a highly, sought-after volunteer “Reader” at Barnes and Nobles, and other bookstores. She basked in the luminant curiosity, wonderment, and smiles on the faces of children she read to, and in the reverent amazement of parents who witnessed transformative and sustainable excitement in the hearts and minds of their sons and daughters. Dorothy also volunteered at her granddaughter’s school where she continued to be lauded for her commitment and dedication to serving others.

Dorothy West Gallien holds a special place in all our hearts. She was an undaunted ‘prayer warrior’ and at age 95 she remained very spiritually alive. Appearing frequently in a flashy leopard-print ensemble, a favorite must-have in her wardrobe, Dorothy was equally and always unapologetically clear and assured in her ability to show up and show out for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Her approach to living in faith, irrespective of circumstance or situation, has impacted our family beyond words. Dorothy was particularly grateful for her loving family. We are so proud of the incredible woman that she was.

Dorothy West Gallien leaves behind her beloved and cherished sister, Gloria Wilson; sister-in-law, Louis Gibson West; her daughter, Sabrina Parham; son-in-law, William D. Parham; granddaughters, Drew Dickson-Parham and Khalia O. Parham; grandson, Jason Parham and Tyreen Hodge; sons, Gregory Shackelford; and his children, Joseph, Karen and Gregory; Wesley Gallien and his children, Justin, Travis, Juaquia, Maleah, Marvin, Keiveon and Frank; nieces, Desira, Terry, Melva, Roslene and Sybil; nephews, Daryl, Dexter, Jerome, Joseph S., Joseph W., Gibson, John, Jody and Mike and a host of cousins, extended family; and many precious friends.

Dorothy West Gallien… you ran your race and earned your wings in Heaven. May our good, gracious, and ‘always and forever’ Lord, Jesus Christ, grant you eternal peace and rest. We love you in this lifetime and every other.

A visitation for Dorothy will be held Friday, March 21, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. The funeral service will immediately follow from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM,. The committal service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 2:45 PM to 3:00 PM at Paradise North Cemetery, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.

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