Dorothy Morine VanDeventer

BIOGRAPHY:   Dorothy Morine VanDeventer left this earth to take up residence in the home that her heavenly father prepared for her on 12/18/10.  Dorothy was born in Memphis, Texas on April 26, 1925 to Robert and Inez Lester.  She graduated from Memphis High School in 1942.  She married Lloyd VanDeventer on February 11, 1943 in Tyler, Texas.  Their only child, Michael VanDeventer was born on December 23, 1944 in Memphis, TX.  They soon moved to Hedley, Texas and ran the funeral home there for many years. In the early 50’s they relocated to Amarillo.  She went to work at First National Bank as a secretary.  She was a very active member of the National Secretaries Association, serving several offices and honored as secretary of the year.  She retired from the bank after 20 years and opened her first Merle Norman Cosmetic store in Wolflin Square in 1972.  In 1982, she opened her second location in the newly built Westgate Mall.  She retired from Merle Norman after 35 years. In 1972, her only grandchild, Michelle was born.  In the mid 80’s, they took her in to raise.  They spent many wonderful years traveling and vacationing at their lakehouse on Lake Palestine. Dorothy was a longtime faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Amarillo.  She volunteered in various ministries and the Perkins Community Center was especially close to her heart.  She spent many hours helping the needy and sharing God’s word.  During her retirement years, she traveled the world.  She loved listening to and following George Strait.  She was a very proud member of his fan club. When the great-grandkids came along, she devoted most of her time in participating in their lives. She was preceded in death by her parents – Robert and Inez Lester, her husband – Lloyd and son, Michael.SURVIVORS:  Granddaughter, Michelle Labrier and husband, Gary, Great Grandsons, Brenden Van Deventer and Hayden Labrier, Great Granddaughter, Kelcie Crawford, her Daughter-In-Law, Evelyn VanDeventer, her brother, Bill Lester and various nieces, nephews and cousins.

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