Dorothy Jean Daniel

Dorothy Jean "Dotty" Daniel, 88, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. She was born on August 17, 1937, at St. Paul's Hospital in Dallas, Texas, to Bill and Catherine Brocksmith. Dotty graduated from Highland Park High School before attending Baylor University. She later earned her master's degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. She and her husband, Jimmy, made their home in Richardson, where they raised their family. Dotty most recently resided at Highland Springs Senior Living, where she received loving care in her later years.

Dotty was a woman with a true servant's heart. She expressed her love not through grand gestures, but through a lifetime of faithfully caring for others. Her greatest joy was serving her family, whom she loved deeply, and she treasured every opportunity to encourage and help those around her.

Her faith in Christ guided her life. Dotty was a devoted member of The Heights Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she faithfully worshiped, served, and built lasting friendships within her church family.

For more than 30 years, Dotty taught in the Richardson Independent School District. She spent much of her career as a homebound teacher, bringing education and encouragement to students whose medical conditions prevented them from attending school. Even outside the classroom, she looked for ways to serve, volunteering through her church to tutor children from underserved communities.

Nothing, however, brought Dotty more happiness than her grandchildren. Week after week, she provided snacks and eagerly sat down with them to help them with whatever subject they were studying. She celebrated their successes, patiently encouraged them through their struggles, and treasured the time they spent learning together. Those moments became some of her family's most cherished memories.

Dotty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Daniel, and her cherished daughter, Carol Daniel.

She is survived by her daughter, Sue Benton and her husband, Doug; her grandson, Brian Simmerman, and his wife, Christina Zuba; her grandchildren, Chris Benton and his wife, Sydney, Brandon Benton, Elizabeth Benton, and Jonathan Benton; and her great-granddaughter, Riley Benton.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, July 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home.

A service honoring the life of Dotty Daniel will be held on Wednesday, July 22, at 1:00 p.m. at The Heights Church.