Dorothy Lillian Johnson

Dorothy Lillian Johnson of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at age 86.

She was born January 27, 1924 to R. D. and Cammie (Wilder) Beaver in Anderson County, about 20 miles from Palestine. During her childhood, Dorothy’s family lived in various towns in Oklahoma. She then moved to San Angelo for a short while and in 1928 made her way to Ballinger, where she made her home. When Dorothy was 18 years old, she joined the Army-Air Corp and served with the Air Transport Company. During her 16 months of service, including her recruiting tour, she traveled throughout the United States.

Dorothy married Edgar Johnson June 14, 1947. They both loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed the great outdoors. Edgar preceded her in death November 22, 1994. She worked for Heidenheimer’s for 14 years and in various other retail jobs, along with being a wife and mother. Dorothy was always a busy lady, even after retirement. She took part in several BISD school organizations, such as Band Boosters and PTA. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Mary Altar Society.

Many people have enjoyed and benefited from Dorothy’s hobbies, which include quilting, cooking, and making afghans. Throughout the years, she baked thousands of cookies and goodies, which she shared with friends and many in the community and earned her the title “Cookie Lady.” She had a delightful, positive attitude and took great pleasure in helping others.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; four brothers, Ernest, Marion Lee, Harry Dillard, and Willie Roy Beaver and wife, Fay; and a sister, Edna Broyles.

Dorothy is survived by her devoted daughter, Annette Buchanan and husband, Scott, of San Angelo; brothers, R. D. Beaver of Carlsbad, New Mexico and Robert Beaver of Missouri; brother-in-law, Wayne Johnson and wife, Linda, of Ballinger; many nephews and nieces, including Penni Wright of Hamilton, Deborah Lawrence of Conroe, and Diane Billups of Winters. Also surviving is a godson, Mike Hodges of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a dear friend, Kay Cude of Ballinger, and many other treasured friends.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger with Rev. Hugh Wade officiating. Burial will follow in Concho Cemetery, near Lake O. H. Ivie.

The family extends special thanks to Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center and to Vista Care.