Dorothy Jacobs Byrne

Dorothy Jacobs Byrne, 86, of Temple died Friday in a Temple hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Dana Wilhelmsen officiating. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Dorothy Jacobs Byrne was born on June 15, 1923 in an army hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her parents were Lt. Ben R. and Bertha Jacobs. Growing up as army brats, she and her brother, Bob, lived in many places around the world with their parents: from a farm in North Dakota to the city of Brooklyn and to the jungles of Panama. After attending seven different high schools, Dorothy decided to attend Brenau College in Georgia so that her family would all be in the same state. A notable moment for Dorothy in college was when she attended a college event and danced with Tommy Dorsey. In 1944, after graduating college, she worked in South Dakota in the field of social work before rejoining her parents in Germany. While managing the area PXs, she met young Army Air Corp Lt. Charles E. Byrne Jr. They courted through out Europe. Dorothy and Charles were united in marriage on June 11, 1955 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arroyo Grande, CA. They honeymooned back to Texas. During the oil boom, they lived in numerous Texas towns, starting their family in the oilfields of west Texas. Even with five children, Dorothy stayed active in civic and church organizations, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, teaching Sunday school, and typing the bulletin for the church. In the late 1960's, she helped to initiate programs for a girl's softball league, ESL classes, continuing education, and life skills for mentally impaired children. In 1976, the oil business took Charles, Dorothy, and the three youngest children to Cairo, Egypt. She quickly got involved in the community volunteering countless hours managing the Ma'adi Messenger Newspaper. She led the way which started many local groups and organizations including a Monday Morning Women's Fellowship group that was directly responsible for providing bandages for lepers and training local families in infant care. She also was active substitute teaching; arranging excursions for the community (to help embrace history); and several other local ministries. Starting their retirement in 1984, Charles and Dorothy made Temple, Texas their home. They quickly became involved in Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Central Texas Area Museum in Salado. Enjoying their retirement, they continued to travel extensively throughout Texas and the States taking their grandchildren with them when possible. Dorothy's love of travel, education, history and family were very evident in her lifestyle. She has always had a passion for reading and a book or two could always be found at her side. Returning home from a Christmas cruise with family, she became ill. Dorothy Jacobs Byrne passed away peacefully with family at her side on Friday January 8, 2010. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles and brother, Bob. She is survived by her children: Patti Crawford (Jim) of Austin; Teri Bielefeldt (Barry) of Grapevine; Jenni Byrne of Temple; Rob Byrne (Sherry) of Allen; and Thomas Byrne of Texas. Her grandchildren: Amanda Bowen (Tim); Holly Mitchell; Amber Moran (Daniel); Matthew Mitchell; Lucas Mitchell; Brent Bielefeldt; Nate Byrne; and Allie Byrne. Her great-grandchildren: Logan Bowen, Tanna Bowen, Lane Bowen and Kyndal Moran. Special friends: Paul and Cathy Cavanaugh who often took care of Dorothy's puppies, Dixie and Annie, along with her numerous nieces and nephews. The Family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Jim Weinblatt for 25 years of care. Appreciation also is extended to Dr. Luis Camarillo, the RNs, CNAs, RTs and other staff at Scott and White Hospital 7 North for their excellent care during her final illness. As Dorothy became more physically limited, she continued her local ministry such as shopping for the ILC food pantry. The family requests memorials be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church Food Pantry (2109 W. Ave. H Temple, 76504), Ronald McDonald House (2415 S. 47th St. Temple, 76504),or the Salvation Army (2604 W. Ave. M Temple, 76504). Pallbearers will be Matthew Mitchell, Lucas Mitchell, Brent Bielefeldt, Nate Byrne, Tim Bowen, Daniel Moran, Logan Bowen, and Lane Bowen