Dora Gough

see, I am more alive than I have ever been. On the 5th of October 2017, I was part of the most

glorious reunion I could have ever imagined. I am finally home with my Savior, and all of those

who came before me.

I know it is human nature to cry and feel despair, but I ask if any tears must be shed

please let them be tears of joy. I can finally dance again, and stand on my head, and figure skate.

I’m free. The body I left behind will be buried at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston, Texas, but I

will no longer be there. My body did its job and carried me through a long life, but it is finished

now and shall be laid to rest. My family will be holding a visitation at Mobberly Baptist Church

in Longview, Texas this Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 10am. Directly following the visitation, at

11 am, there will be a celebration of life for me at Mobberly as well. Mobberly was my church

home when I came to Longview, and I can’t express my appreciation and love towards this body

of Christ enough. I ask that if you can come to be with my family please do not wear black. This

is not a time to grieve, but celebrate. Wear happy colors that reminds you of me. If you are

unable to join my family in person, please feel free to be part of the celebration by watching

online. This will be a live streaming. The link is,

http://www.mobberly.org/ministries/worship/watch_live

This past Thursday I took my last dance. I am finally with my parents Hugo and Dora

Shears, my brother Marion Shears, my sister Nan Shears, and all of those who came home before

me. We will actually be together for all of eternity now. However the sweetest reunion was

getting to hold my precious son, Tom, once again after living 28 years on Earth without him.

I lived a blessed life of 91 years. Even though I was born in Oklahoma City, Ok on July

28, 1926, I called Houston, Texas my home. My parents moved us to Houston to my senior year

of high school. That year I graduated from Austin High School. I went on to study at seminary

afterwards.

My grandchildren are the center of my universe. I am sad to leave them behind, but I

know I have prepared them for this crazy journey called life. My oldest grandson, James Baker

Ⅲ, but Jamie to all, gave me 33 years of pure love and joy. Jamie I want you to know I am

beyond proud of you, and your accomplishments in life. I have watched you grow into the

handsome man you are today, and I couldn’t be happier of who you are. My middle grandchild,

Olivia Hill, will carry out her life with a part of my demeanor during her time on this Earth. My

youngest grandchild, Corey Hill, I can’t thank you enough for the endless laughs you have given

me. You kept me on my toes, and a smile on my face. Don’t think I couldn’t hear you all of those

nights you came into my room to talk to me while I slept. You will never know how much I

treasure those nights. At last, my beautiful daughter, Robin Baker-Hill, who gave me these three

grandchildren. Robin, thank you for never giving up on me even when all seemed hopeless. I am

proud to call you my daughter. I know the sacrifices you made to care for me during the last

years of my life with you, and I can’t thank you enough. I know I will live on through you four. I

am also survived by my one and only niece, Kay Shears. Never forget, I love you all a bushel

and a peck and a hug around the neck.

During my life I found the things I loved and pursued them with everything in me. One

thing I loved and invested many years into was figure skating. I was the oldest member of the

Houston Figure Skating Club. Figure skating wasn’t the only activity I filled my life with. I

always had to go on my daily 3 mile “trek” no matter rain or shine. I became known for my

walking by family and friends. Every morning I would wake up at 4am to jumpstart my day with

yoga, standing on my head was my favorite part. I would go to my grandchildren’s school just to

stand on my head for the kids in gym class. I continued to stand on my head until my family had

to make me stop at the age of 84. Personally, I’m beyond excited to finally be able to do my yoga

again.

Children always made me happy in their pure and loving ways. Therefore, I always

carried around a few $2 bills. Now, whenever I would see a child out in public I would gently

walk up to them and give them one of these bills. I told each and every child, “Always hold onto

this $2. That way you will never be truly broke.” The children would always giggle and smile in

awe at the gift that was small, yet so extravagant. Whether they spent that $2, or held onto it

forever I’ll never know, but making them joyful brought great light to my life.

During my time in Houston I worked for Marathon Oil as a secretary, and I cannot

express how much I loved that group of people. They will always hold a special place in my

heart.

The last thing that I would like to mention that brought great joy to my life is the fightin’

Texas Aggies. Saying I am a diehard Aggie is an understatement, even if Jamie graduated from

the University of Texas and Olivia is a current student. I will always gig’em with great pride.

Before I give you my final “see you later”, I want to thank the incredible Jeannie B for

her constant love and devotion to my care. My family could not have done it without you. I also

want to thank Compass Hospice, and all of their caring nurses. Compass made life easier on

everyone. You have my deepest gratitude.

I leave you all with great love. Just know every single one of you had an impact on my

life and I thank you for that. I am finally at peace surrounded by those I love and cherish. I will

always be with you, and a part of me will live on in each of you forever. Please do not be

saddened in the slightest due my earthly absence. You see, I will see you again. So, live your life

to the fullest, dance a little more, smile more often, and love a little deeper. I love you all the way

to Heaven and back.

With love, Oma