Dorothy Goodson Bartley

Dorothy June Goodson Bartley, better known as “Dorothy June”, “Dot”, or Grandmommy, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the age of 87.  She was in the caring hands of New Century Hospice and ”family” at Cornerstone Gardens in Temple.  Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 21st at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Anthony officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 AM prior to the service. 

Dorothy was born November 8, 1931 in Calhoun City, Mississippi to Curtis David Goodson and Abbie Lorene Gillespie Goodson. She was a proud graduate of Calhoun City High School where she was a “member” of the 1948 girls basketball State Championship team! Dorothy earned an Associate’s Degree from Holmes Jr. College and continued her education with a degree in Home Economics from Mississippi State College for Women.  After graduation Dorothy left Mississippi and began her career in Greenville, Texas as a Home Economist for Lone Star Gas Company.  During her career she performed cooking demonstrations for many families, organizations and even hosted a cooking program on local television.  It was here that she met Albert Lee (Al) Bartley and they were married on July 27, 1962.  Soon after they transferred to Sherman, Texas and welcomed their first (and only) child Abbie Lee on July 16, 1965.  After leaving Sherman, Dorothy and family lived in Lewisville, Athens and College Station, Texas.  During these years Dorothy was a “Professional Volunteer” serving in each location as Homeroom Mom, PTO President, Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School teacher, Drill Team Sponsor, Costume Seamstress and MANY other volunteer positions. In 1982 Dorothy and Al moved back to Sherman leaving Abbie behind to finish her Senior year of high school (which was a tremendous emotional sacrifice for them all).   Dorothy made the trip every Friday night to be wherever the A&M Consolidated High School Bengal Belles were performing. The following year she was promoted to “Zeta Mom” when Abbie enrolled in North Texas State University in Denton, TX and became a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.  Dorothy was even selected ”Mother of the Year” by the sorority in 1987.

While living in Sherman Dorothy was an active member of First Baptist Church where she shared her talents in the adult choir and served on numerous committees and boards.  She was also involved in the Sherman community with fundraising for Hospice and Habitat for Humanity. 

Dorothy was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed sewing for fun and profit. She and Al shared their projects in craft shows and booths all over the state and beyond, but her greatest joy was sewing for and spoiling her 3 grandchildren, Rachel, Reese and Meredith.  “Grandmommy” was the ultimate scavenger hunt, party planner and decorator.  Every occasion was celebrated and had a “theme”.     

Dorothy moved to Temple in 2012 to be closer to family and, while she was able, attended First Baptist Church in Temple where she participated in Lifegroup and LLL.  For the last 6 years she was a resident at Cornerstone Gardens where she enjoyed Arts and Crafts, BINGO, Bible Study and singing. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Larry Goodson.  Survivors include her daughter, Abbie Atkinson, and husband, Tim, of Temple, three grandchildren: Rachel Marcinek and husband, Kevin, of Austin, Reese Atkinson and wife, Taylor, of Round Rock, Meredith Atkinson of Austin and one great grandchild, Grayson Marcinek, of Austin.  

Dorothy “never met a stranger” and will be missed by many friends, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana as well. 

Dorothy will be buried with her husband in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.  “Hats off” to you Dorothy!