Dorothy Barr

DOROTHY BARR, 86, of Paris, passed from this life Wednesday October 19, 2011 at Brentwood Terrace in Paris. Starrett Funeral Home will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Monday October 24, 2011 at the Parkway Baptist Church of McKinney, with Rev. Kirk Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Allen Cemetery, Allen, Texas.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, and for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dorothy was born December 27, 1924 in Stanton, a daughter of O. F. "Shorty" and Alma Corrine Lee Wells. She was a graduate of Midland schools, then during World War II she worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" in San Antonio, doing her part in the war effort. She later retired from Bank of America after twenty years of service. Her chief occupation, however, was serving as a mother, homemaker, caregiver and friend. She was an excellent cook, and never failed to extend welcome arms to her table for family and friends. She was a member of Allen Heights Baptist Church. The memory of her laughter and sense of humor will reside forever in all who loved her.

She was preceded in death by two step-sons, George Barr and Leroy Barr; by two brothers; eight sisters; and her special canine companion Molly.

Survivors include four daughters, Elaine Thomas and husband Roy, of Austin, Georgia Taylor and husband Kirk, of Allen, Dorothy (Lulu) Bedell, of Allen and Linda Pittman and husband Wyatt, of Paris; three sons, Floyd Tolle and wife Bonnie, of Grantville, PA, Don Tolle, of Franklin, TN and Tommy Barr and wife Carol, of Allen; a step-son, Oscar Barr and wife Linda, of Bedford; a step-daughter, Sandy Armbruster and husband Ron, of Midland; eighteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; a brother, Curtis Wells; and a sister, Blanche Cowling and husband Luther.

Named to serve as pallbearers are Chad Thomas, Kenny Thomas, Ryan Masters, Phillip Thomas, Rodney Smith and Hayden Taylor.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions to The Children's Advocacy Center, 711 Pine Bluff Street, Paris, Texas 75460, www.cacparis.org .