Dorothy Bobbitt

Dorothy Faye Bobbitt of Corpus Christi passed peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, April 22, free at last from the disease that held her captive over the past two years. She was 80 years old and she packed as much life into those 80 years as anyone possibly could. Dorothy was born in Roscoe, Texas, on May 11, 1933, to Cecil Edward Altom and Elva (Butler) Altom. She was an only child - beloved by her parents and popular throughout her childhood and teen years. She graduated as valedictorian of her senior class at Roscoe High School and married her high school sweetheart, Leslie Velpo "Val" Blankenship in 1950 before he left for the Korean War. Dorothy and "Val" had four children - three daughters and one son - who grew up in a country home near Sulphur, Louisiana. The kids raised 4-H animals, rode horses, and played for hours under the stars with great neighborhood friends. Dorothy was the ultimate "Kool-Aid Mom" who always put her children first. She also served as a Sunday School teacher, 4-H leader, room mother, and in numerous other roles to help her children and others succeed. In 1968 Dorothy and her family moved to Ingleside, Texas. Here they lived across the street from First Baptist Church Ingleside where the family was active and Dorothy worked as church secretary. Her home overflowed with kids of all ages, plenty of laughter, constant activity, and most of all - LOVE (not to mention the home cooked meals and all-you-can-eat homemade goodies). Dorothy had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and special. Dorothy attended business school and worked most of her life as a bookkeeper at various businesses, including Coastal Freezing in Aransas Pass. After her children left home she lived in New Orleans and also in Kerrville, Texas. Dorothy became a young widow at the age of 49, after "Val" died of cancer. She also survived breast cancer during that time. In 1983 she married again after a friend introduced her to Ross Taylor Bobbitt, a man who shared Dorothy's love for cruises, adventure, family, and the Lord Jesus. They moved to Lake Corpus Christi where they royally entertained their grandkids with sleep-overs and lots of skiing and jet-skiing. Dorothy and Ross were married nineteen years before she suffered the heartache of losing another spouse to cancer. In the midst of life's greatest challenges, Dorothy always held onto her faith, her joy, and her beautiful smile. Dorothy's passions included singing in the church choir, going to gospel music concerts, cake decorating, and cooking and baking. But her true legacy lies in the lives of those touched by her compassion, gentleness, goodness, and kindness. Any day she could bring a little cheer into another person's world was a good day for Dorothy. She was a member of River Hills Baptist Church in Calallen, Texas, where she served on the Faith Team, volunteered at hospitals and nursing homes, and visited people who needed to know someone cared. Late in life Dorothy helped form First Ladies, a ministry for widows that breaks through the loneliness that threatens those who have lost a spouse. Dorothy was a mentor, a "second mom" to many, an encourager, a true friend, and always an inspiration. Dorothy is survived by her four children: Evangeline Jordan (and husband, Vernon); David Leslie Blankenship (and wife, Ann); Vicki Faye Hewitt (and husband, Danny); and Elvalena Harman. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren who love her dearly. She is predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Elva Altom, and three spouses: Leslie Velpo Blankenship, Ross Taylor Bobbitt, and Herb Story. Visitation will take place at Sawyer-George Funeral Home on Friday, April 25, 2014, from 2-8 p.m., with the family present from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Sawyer-George Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas, with Reverend Bill Simmons officiating. Graveside services and interment will take place immediately following the memorial service at Palms Memorial Gardens in Portland, Texas. Pallbearers will be Dorothy's eight grandsons: Matt Jordan, Jason Jordan, Mark Blankenship, Jeff Blankenship, Brad Hewitt, Scott Hewitt, Reed Hewitt, and Nathan Harman. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to South Texas Children's Home (P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, Texas, 78104, www.stchm.org), The American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123-1718, www.cancer.org), or the charity of their choice. To God be all the glory, honor and praise. Amen.