Betty Orsini Doke

Elizabeth Marie (Betty) Doke was born on April 15,1934 in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Katherine and Henry Orsini. She passed away August 23, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 92. Betty moved to Abilene, Texas as a teenager and met her husband of 70 years, Marshall J Doke Jr., while both were students at Hardin Simmons University.

Betty supported her husband working as a medical lab technician while Marshall attended the SMU School of Law, and during his service as a JAG attorney at the Pentagon. After Marshall established his law practice in Dallas, in 1962, Betty happily retired to raise her family and pursue the many interests that would define her civic, social and volunteer contributions.

Betty was an active member of University Park United Methodist Church throughout her adult life, and a contributing member of the Dallas Lawyer’s Wives Club and the Dallas Woman’s Club. She was for many years a respected political consultant, leading multiple presidential, gubernatorial and other campaigns in the state of Texas. Betty also was an active participant in multiple financial, book, dance, and dinner clubs, and with Marshall generously supported the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera, and other local cultural and fine art organizations.

A warm, vibrant and honest woman, Betty made friends easily and often. In every neighborhood and social network, she found and kept genuine relationships that lasted her lifetime.

Betty is survived by her husband, Marshall Jr., her children Gregory, Michael and his wife Heather and their children Marshall III, Travis and Weston Doke, and daughter Laetitia Hagstrom, her husband Curt, and three children Hannah and Hunter Smith, and Chase Hagstrom.

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced soon.