Dorothy Ben Lowe

Dorothy Ben Lowe, of Groesbeck, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2014, at Limestone Medical Center, at age 89. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 2, 2014, at the Faulkenberry Cemetery Pavilion, with Reverend Tracy Sims of the Central Baptist Church of Thornton officiating. Pallbearers will be Bob Tramel, Frank Barker, Tyler Barker, Bob Hamilton, Ellis Turrubiarte, Jesse Jackson, Kermit Lowe, and Sam Wiley. Dorothy was born March 6, 1925 to Sam Ben Wiley and Viola Pearl (Briggs) Wiley in Groesbeck. She grew up in Groesbeck and graduated from Groesbeck High School. As a very young girl, she was united in marriage with Dwain D. Lowe. When he entered the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in California, she got on a bus and followed him to California, although she had never been out of Limestone County before. Upon arrival at the base, she was befriended by a lady who offered her a place to room, and they maintained a lifetime friendship through correspondence. When Dwain was sent overseas, she moved back to Groesbeck for the birth of their daughter. Dorothy worked at the sewing factory; although she didn’t previously know how to sew, she received some quick lessons from Jean Lowe. She later worked at a local grocery store, and was approached by Mrs. Taylor of the phone company to go to work as a telephone operator for Gulf States. She retired over thirty years later as the chief operator. She had a strong work ethic, and was chosen to go to the main office in Tyler to train other operators. She was dedicated to her work and expected the same of the other operators. Dorothy had always been athletic, and played adult ladies fast-pitch softball, and even was invited to play on a Dallas team. She won many trophies in softball, bowling, and fishing. She had a lifelong love of fishing, having grown up on a fishing bank, and camping on the Trinity and Navasota Rivers with the Wiley family. She did spend time hunting with her family too, but did not shoot a gun – she drove the jeep across the farm pastures in pursuit of the birds. Dorothy was a fun person and raised her daughter and granddaughter and great grandson in a fun and loving atmosphere. She left them with good memories. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Sambo Wiley; and her husband, Dwain Lowe. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna Kaye and Bob Tramel of Tyler; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Kim and Frank Barker of Whitehouse; and great grandson, Tyler Barker of College Station. She also leaves behind her beloved best friend, Jim Benedict of Groesbeck, and her constant “furry” companion, Chico. Memorial donations for Dorothy may be made to Lara’s House or the charity of choice.