Dorothy Blalack Burns

Dorothy Blalack Burns died peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2009, at her home in Baytown, TX. She was born in 1925 to Clara Corbitt and Anvil Blalack in Dallas, TX, where she attended Ursuline Academy. She earned a degree in chemistry from Texas Woman's University, becoming the first member of her family to graduate from college. She then came to Baytown to work as a chemist for the Humble Oil Company; her first official day at work was V-J Day, which was declared a holiday. She married Robert Emmett Burns on September 4, 1946, and raised five daughters together with him. She was also the host mother to Norwegian exchange student Ingrid Halle. She went on to earn her master's degree in library science from North Texas State University, working both at the

Sterling Municipal Library in Baytown and at the Central Branch of the

Houston Public Library. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, an avid bridge player, a world traveler, and a longtime friend to the members of her Friday night ""margarita group."" In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who knew her as ""Granddot."" She cherished, most especially, the time she spent with her companion Jack Smalling. His friendship and affection meant so much to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Emmett Burns, and her brother, Thomas Anvil Blalack. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Blalack Garrett and Martha Blalack Brooks; her daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Bob Whaley, Susan and the late Charles Peterson, Becky and Jim Blackstock, Patricia and Jim

Vick, and Mary Elisabeth and Tommy LaVergne; her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and her companion, Jack Smalling.

There will be visitation on Wednesday, October 7, at Navarre Funeral Home, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. At her request, there will be a private funeral service in Dallas, where she will be buried in her family's plot. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials should be sent to: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1907 Carolina Street, Baytown, TX, 77520, in care of Father Dwight Canizares.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.