Dorothy was born in Newport, Arkansas on December 28, 1933. Her parents were Arthur and Louise Roberts Wallis. Dorothy was the 5th born of 8 siblings. She grew up on a farm and did her share of farm work. After graduating from Newport High School, she attended Business College in nearby Batesville. After completing her coursework, she worked at the local bank, where she met the love of her life, Bill Joblin, when he came in to deposit a dime in his account in order to flirt with her.
They married on October 17, 1953. After moving to Denver, Colorado two years later, Dorothy continued to work in the banking business. A few years later they welcomed a baby girl, Lisa, into their family. Bill’s job at the Veteran’s Administration led them to move to Minneapolis, then Washington D.C. before bringing them to Austin in 1967. Within weeks of arriving in Austin, Bill and Dot joined Southwest Christian Church.
Dorothy was a stay-at-home mom, while in Austin and when Lisa went away to college she began working as a temp in businesses throughout Austin, including AISD. She eventually became the part-time bookkeeper for Southwest Christian Church until she retired at the age of 71.
Dorothy lived a life of service, kindness and giving. She was a true servant who often worked behind the scenes to help others and serve at her church, generously donating her time and talents.
Dorothy was a seamstress extraordinaire making most of her own clothing and Lisa’s too when she was young. She even made Lisa’s wedding dress. She continued sewing when her grandkids were born and made pretty much anything they requested including quilts, costumes, clothing and toys.
She and Bill were married for 43 years until he passed away in 1996. She remodeled her home after his passing with the help of talented friends. She was able to live in her home on her own until 5 years before her passing, at which time caregivers who came and stayed with her. As time went forward her dementia increased and she moved to Stonebridge Nursing facility. The staff at Stonebridge took care of her and looked after her while trying to help her retain her independence as long as possible. In the end when it was time for her to transition to her heavenly home many of the staff came to say their final goodbyes and pray with her. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
Though her departure has left us feeling the loss of her presence, we celebrate her passing to her eternal home in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dorothy is survived by her sister, Joan Glassmeyer, her daughter Lisa Leigh and her husband Ron, her grandchildren Megan Trammell and her husband Ryan of Denton, Cassie Clevenger and her husband Blake of Amarillo, and Will Leigh and his wife Jenny of Austin. She also had 3 great-granddaughters – Addie and Emmie Trammell and Carly Clevenger and one more great-granddaughter due in December. She also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews, their children and some loving brother and sister-in-laws.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Christian Church or any charity of your choice.
