Dolly Lee Kitchens

Dolly Lee Kitchens, 94, of Columbus GA, formerly of Ballinger, TX died Saturday afternoon April 16, 2011 at Magnolia Manor.


Dolly was born on April 24, 1916 in Leroy, TX to Joe Payne and Dolly Lee (Smith) Briley. She married Albert E. Kitchens in Junction, TX on March 16, 1940. They moved to the Ballinger community in 1948. Dolly was a civil servant during WWII working as a dental hygienist at Camp Patrick Henry, VA. She later worked for Dr. E.W. Stasney as a dental hygienist until retiring in1955 and becoming a rancher’s wife, helping Albert on an active ranch until his death on July 4, 1977. She was also preceded by her parents; a sister, Sleeda Wright; and brothers, Alton, Joe (Buck), Vernon and Herbert Briley.


Dolly was a member of the First Christian Church in Ballinger and a former member of Ballinger Woman’s Club. She was an active bridge player in Ballinger and Columbus. She was a former member of Ballinger Country Club and Green Island Country Club in Columbus.


She is survived by her daughter, Susan Kitchens Perkins and husband, Bill of Columbus and nieces and nephews, Marion Coffey and wife, Joanne, Pat Potts, Paul Price and wife Suzanne and Pam Murfee and husband, Joe.


Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Graveside funeral services will be held at 9:00 am Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger with Lynn Smith officiating.


The family would like to extend a special thanks to the following: the Green Island Ladies Bridge Group for being such a special part of Dolly’s life; the staff of The Veranda; the Vista Care staff; Care Matters; and the staff at Magnolia Manor.


Memorials may be sent to Carnegie Library, 204 8th. Street, Ballinger, TX 76821; PAWS Humane Society in Columbus, GA or a favorite charity.