Dorothy Louise Grasty

Dorothy Louise Grasty (aka Dot, Dorothy, Mom, Nanny) passed away peacefully on August 16, 2023. She was 84 years young.

Dot was born April 27, 1939 near Palestine, Texas as the middle child of 3 children and only daughter of Thomas and Edith Davis. The family of 5 lived in a very modest 800 sq. ft. home that was close to family and friends. Dot was born several months premature weighing just 2 lbs. 8 oz. Unable to reach a hospital, she spent the first several days of her life using a kitchen oven and shoebox as an incubator. Her parents were told she would probably not survive. Not only did she survive, but she thrived! As a child, Dot was adored by her mother and father and tolerated by her two brothers. Dot was an excellent student, very social, and she spent most of her time with her school friends, cousins, and church community.

Dorothy met Donald during their junior year in high school. They were 18 and 19 years of age, respectively, when Dorothy Davis became Dorothy Grasty on August 3, 1957, just 2 months after graduating high school. In need of meaningful employment and with supportive families providing lots of love but few resources, they decided to double down on their good fortune and start a family. They wasted no time as Dorothy gave birth to a son (Mickey) born just 11 months after the wedding (do the math), followed quickly by a daughter (Renee) born 13 months after that. Donald and Dorothy both found meaningful employment and went on to college while advancing their careers. Mom and Dad were truly life partners as they were married for 63 years. Dorothy and Donald were responsible for 2 children, 7 grandchildren, and today 12 great grandchildren. Dorothy lost Donald in the middle of the Covid Pandemic as he passed away on November 16, 2020. Mom struggled with Dad’s passing as she often reminded us how she looked forward to reuniting with him in heaven.

Mom and Dad were great parents as they set an example for us to follow with their strong Christian faith, their character, values, work ethic, and love for family. Mom was the first child in her family to graduate college, and she started her professional career as an RN. Mom eventually became Head of Nursing at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, Texas before the family moved to Arlington in 1974. Mom eventually finished her career as the Administrator of Comprehensive Care Hospital System in Texas. After retiring, Mom was appointed by then Governor and future President George Bush to serve two different terms as a Commissioner on the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and later the Texas Funeral Service Commission. Mom was a great example of a successful female professional and a loving mother to her children.

Nanny was an adoring grandmother of 7 (Josh, Reghan, Jared, Preston, Courtney, Catey, and Kendall) and then an even more adoring great-grandmother of 12 (Jake, Drew, Harper & Hallie, Lily & Maddy, Charlotte & Lorelei, Todd, Wade & Hank, and Elizabeth). Nanny and Pops were the best great grandparents and role models for their children as grandparents. Nanny could not wait to show people photos of 5 generations of her family. Although only 4 generations were pictured, no one ever corrected her. Nanny experienced a life full of grandkids’ sports, dance recitals, birthdays, school programs and holiday celebrations.

Mom had another family that she cherished. It was the family of Grace Community Church. Mom was very active in the Grace community. Nanny was a founding member of the “Young at Heart” group, a member of the “McDonald’s Golden Girls”, and a faithful member of the congregation where she always looked forward to Gary’s Sunday sermon. Mom did struggle with dementia in her final few years and was in constant “negotiations” with her children over keys to her car. She would always say to people that she had to have her car to drive to Church… and maybe Chicken Express after church… and possibly to her widows’ group meeting at McDonalds… After a couple of minor bumps to the car and getting lost a few times, Mom finally accepted her non-driver status as her friends and church family came to the rescue. Her many friends and church family were able to help her get to church on Sunday, and Chicken Express, and McDonalds. Thank you, Grace, for being such a major part of her extended family life.

Dot, Dorothy, Mom, and Nanny left us with great memories, and we are fortunate to have shared these memories with both Nanny and Pops. Nanny and Pops, we love you both very much as you reunite in Heaven.