Dorothy Freeman Gilstrap

Dorothy Matthias Freeman Gilstrap, a beacon of grace and compassion, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Flower Mound, Texas home on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on August 2,1951, in Lisbon, Portugal to Hubert and Louise Matthias, Dorothy's family eventually settled in Arlington, Texas, where her father Hubert taught political science at UT Arlington.

Dorothy's journey began at 14 when she launched her modeling career with the Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas. Her talent and charisma led her to work as a model and brand spokesperson in print, television, and industrial films until she was 30. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, she expanded her media presence, working as a weekend weather presenter on Channel 4 in Dallas and as a morning news anchor for Channel 11 in Fort Worth. During this time, she pioneered long-distance learning, earning a bachelor's degree from Goddard College in Vermont.

Together with her first husband, Robert (Bobby) Freeman, Dorothy ventured into home renovation in Dallas before their adventurous spirit took them to the Caribbean, where they remodeled Bahá'í community centers in Barbados and St. Vincent. During this time, Dorothy served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Barbados and authored "From Copper to Gold," a biography of her namesake grandmother, Dorothy Baker, a prominent early adherent of the Bahá'í Faith in the United States. The Freemans' journey continued in County Limerick, Ireland, where they renovated a manor house, welcomed their son Chuck, and Dorothy served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Ireland, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the Bahá'í Faith, which recognizes the divine origin of all major world religions

After returning to Arlington in the late 1980s, Dorothy began a new chapter in her life with Arlington attorney Frank Gilstrap. Their union lasted over three decades, during which Dorothy dedicated herself to homemaking and service to the Arlington Bahá'í Community until Frank's passing in 2021. Throughout this time, Dorothy pursued her passion for education and personal growth, earning a master's degree in nutrition.

Dorothy and Frank's partnership was characterized by a shared love for travel and cultural exploration. They were avid travelers, embarking on numerous adventures that took them across Europe and the Middle East. These journeys not only broadened their horizons but also deepened their appreciation for diverse cultures and historical sites.

Dorothy will be remembered for her loving commitment to all she held dear, her graciousness, her inquisitive mind, and her never-ending search for the true nature of the soul. Her life exemplified the transformative power of faith, service, and artistic expression. She is survived by her children Chuck and his wife Alyse, Lessie and her partner Greg; grandchildren Rebecca, Remy and Campbell, along with numerous family members and friends who held her dear.

A memorial service to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held Saturday March 1st, 2:00pm, at 701 S. Mary St. Arlington, Texas 76010. Reception to follow at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis Dr. Arlington, TX 76012.