Dorthy Naydean Major

Dorthy Naydean (Lee) Major was born on November 22, 1941 to Clayborn and Gracie Lee in the small close knit Indian community of Watts, Oklahoma. Dorthy was the fifth child of nine and from the beginning Dorthy stole the hearts of everyone - first as a beautiful baby and later as an adorable child and teenager. She made the wonderful transition from Earth to Heaven on August 31, 2026.

The small three room home in Watts had no running water, no electricity, and a coal fired stove for heat. Water was a quarter-mile down the hill from the home. The family was supported by fruits trees, vegetable gardens, chicken, hogs, and a milk cow. Dorthy walked to the one room schoolhouse two miles from home. She was an obedient child and her character of goodness and humility showed each day. Even though her clothes were made from flour sacks by her mom, Dorthy was grateful for each one and made sure she always looked her best in whatever was available. In 1953 the family moved to Iowa Park. The new house included running water, electricity and an outhouse. Dorthy and her siblings where happy and thankful for the new home and the support of their new community.

As a young teenager Dorthy accepted the Lord while attending Church of God in Iowa Park. Growing up she loved roller skating at the roller rink and American Bandstand. Academically, teachers always expressed how smart she was and how dedicated she was to study and learn. One of the teachers even purchased Dorthy’s senior formal for her graduation.

Dorthy met Jerry Major who was stationed at Sheppard AFB and they were married in Jan, 1961. He said she was the nicest girl he had ever met. During their marriage Dorthy was a homemaker, worked as a bank clerk and enjoyed reading. She was always interested in movie stars reading all their biographies and loved everything Elvis. She was overjoyed when she had her only child, Tommy, and when he married Robin. Her grandchildren Ryan, Kyle and Emelyn were precious to her and she enjoyed playing with them and watching them grow into successful adults. Her great- grandchildren were an additional blessing to her later in life and she enjoyed being with them and treating them to candy when they visited.

Later in life she and Jerry traveled in the US and overseas. Jerry was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2018 and Dorthy cared for him at home until she was unable due to her own cancer diagnosis. She received treatment for her cancer and moved in with Tommy and Robin after Jerry passed, where she was able to enjoy her last years with family. Early this year it became evident that the cancer was spreading throughout her body and she entered hospice care. Her final words to Tommy were, “How are the kids?” as she always wanted to make sure everyone was doing well.

She is survived by her son Tom Major and his wife Robin, grandchildren Dr. Ryan Major and wife Sarah, Kyle Major and wife Miranda, and Emelyn Whittington, and great grandchildren Corban, Hadassah, Devan, Lenorah, Rowan, Judah, Aralyn, Logan and Miles. Also surviving are her siblings, Margie, Jerry, Jimmy, Mike, Tim, Dennis, and Denise.