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BORN
1951
DIED
2008
Dorrie Spears Obituary
Service: A private family service will be held in New Mexico, where her final resting place will be with a view of the mountains she loved.
Memorials: To celebrate her life, she would be deeply honored to have donations (tax deductible) made to the Dorrie Spears Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Tarrant County College Foundation, 1500 Houston, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, so that others may have the opportunity to continue their studies and to carry on Dorrie's dream to help others.
Dorrie was born Nov. 21, 1951, in Lincoln, Neb. She lived in Arizona and New Mexico before being swept off her feet to Texas, where she lived the remainder of her life with Mike Spears, her loving and devoted husband of 25 years and faithful companion "Bear."
After working as a patient advocate for MHMR of Tarrant County, she returned to school, where she was obtaining licensure as a licensed chemical dependency counselor working toward a degree in mental health clinical counseling psychology. Dorrie was eager to learn and always willing to assist her peers in achieving their goals.
Dorrie had an amazing gift of compassion, a sweet spirit with a kind, loving heart that will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She will forever be in our hearts.
Survivors: Parents, David and Jean Martin of Bosque Farms, N.M.; husband, Michael Spears of Arlington; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Stacy Spears and cherished, grandchildren, Avery Grace and Griffin Michael of Allen; sisters, Jeannie King and Gig Philipp of Denton and Charlene and Jim Kelly of Albuquerque, N.M.; brother, Scott Martin of Mobile, Ala.; father-in-law, Herschell Spears; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Candi and Lee Highsmith of Arlington; nephews, David King, Justin Martin, Stephen and Michael Kelly and Ben Highsmith; niece, Katie Highsmith; aunts and uncles, Jack and Virginia Kirkland, Dale Kirkland and Lila Dennison, and many cousins of Lincoln, Neb., and Roy and Donna Jean Root and cousins of Boston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorrie Spears
Linda King
April 26, 2009
I will always think of Dorrie each year when the bulbs begin to push trough the Earth to bloom with beautiful flowers announcing to all of us that love never dies.
Pam Karnes
April 24, 2009
It has been almost a year since Dorrie left us... Amazingly enough.. I just spoke with a friend the other day about her... her spirit is still with us... Her way of running through life is still a lesson we can all learn.. I hope you the family has somehow taken something good from this. I know it doesn't seem like anything good should ever comes from tragedy, but in some ways it always does. You might never know the people whose lives she saved.
Lupe parsons
May 9, 2008
Dorrie,
your classmates will walk the stage in tonight's Graduation Ceremony wearing a purple and black ribbon in your memory.
You are in our hearts. May you rest in peace.
Ron Grote
May 7, 2008
Mike, your extended family at Future Foam extends our deepest sympathy for your loss. You and your family we'll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Heather Bain
May 5, 2008
Dorrie you were a very special person. You worked with me when I wasn't ready to come clean off drugs and alcohol. I'm getting the help that I need.
Scott Duening
May 5, 2008
Mike
Your family is in my family's thoughts and prayers. We are turely sorry for your lose.
May God's plan help give you peace in your heart
Dave & Sherri Reeder
May 3, 2008
Jeannie,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dorrie will always be with you as you walk through life. God bless you and your family.
Linda Sanchez
May 3, 2008
Dave & Jeannie;
Our Heart's are bonding with your loss of a child yes we are all God's
Children Dorie surly enjoying true Love as she will view true colors through our Lord above . All of our LOVE goes your way. Al & Linda
Teresa Corbisier
May 2, 2008
*D*O*R*R*I*E*
**Dedicated
****Orginal
******Resourceful
********Respectful
**********Inspirational
************Exceptional
I just met Dorrie this past semster at TCC and also in APT. What a wonderful sweet compassionate friend! I will miss her! Dorrie's spirit is residing with our Heavenly Father, in the Kingdom of God, for ALL of Eternity. There is no more pain or suffering here on earth. May God Bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
your sister in Christ,
Phil, Carolyn Watkins
May 2, 2008
Jeannie and Mike,
Our hearts, thots and prayers go out to you and your families during this time. May you find comfort in having shared this lifetime with such a wonderful lady and knowing she is continuing on her own journey and in a better place now. What comes to mind for me from this is that while we are on this earth if all of us could really know how many people truly love us and how we have made such a positive lasting influence on others and perhaps changed their lives our personal lives would be so much richer and happier. Bless both of you and your families during this time.
Hailey Higgs
May 1, 2008
Mike and Jeannie,
God's plan for our lives is so amazing, crazy, and beautiful, yet confusing, hurtful and ambiguous. It is so hard to accept the fact that He has a plan for all of us and that sometimes it isn't what we have in mind. We were all so incredibly blessed to have known Dorrie and her smiling face and kind-filled heart. I will never forget her hiding my Easter eggs last month with such care :)
I pray that her spirit be free in Heaven, and I'm praying for both of you and the family. Dorrie will always be in our hearts.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding"
-Proverbs 3:5
stevie hansen
May 1, 2008
Mike and Family, Dorrie and I were close friends over the last few years and she will be missed by all of us who knew her. We at MHMRTC-Addiction Services met this week to share feelings about the loss of our friend and co-worker. Our grief is shared by the many who knew Dorrie and loved her. Mike, if I can help or if anyone at Addiction Services can be of help, please call. I went with Dorrie on her last home visit before the Fetal Alchol Project ended and the love of that family for Dorrie was unbelievable! She had given so much to them and worked so hard to make their lives better. What a tribute to her memory. Those children will grow up remembering the beautiful blonde lady who touched their lives so profoundly. I will remember the same. She adored you Mike! Please know that you were loved. My love to all of you.
Gary and Stacey Dellesky
May 1, 2008
Mike and Jeannie,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Dorrie will be greatly missed and was very muched loved by all. May you both find peace knowing she is at peace with Jesus and the angels above.
Sandra Gentry
May 1, 2008
Mike,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss.
I didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with Dorrie but the times I did were memorable. She was a sweet and loving person.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
carlos cruz
May 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Peaslee
May 1, 2008
Dear Mike,
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Sunday Olsson
May 1, 2008
Dear Jeannie,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. You had just spoke to me about her the last time we talked. My heart goes out to you and your family. I did not know her but from the words that have been expressed about her she sounded like a wonderful person. You will always have her in your heart and her spirit will always be near. May God bless each of you and give you strength as only he can.
Sunday Olsson
Pam Karnes
April 30, 2008
To the family..
Dorrie was a gentle and sweet spirit.. her eyes always looked out with hope, happiness and a genuine spirit that created all those same things in anyone who looked into them. I wasn't so much a close friend of hers as much as I was an admirer of the way she walked through this thing we call life.
Many lives have been touched by her hands and her spirit.. and we thank you.. her family.. for sharing her with us.
Bev Green
April 30, 2008
Mike and Family, Our prayers for your family. You have all been through so much. We wish you all peace. Fondly, Bill and Beverly Green
(Lake Fork neighbors)
Rob and Astrid Becker
April 30, 2008
Dear Jeannie,
Our sincere condolescences on the loss of your sister. I read the obit online and gathered she must have been a much loved person who enjoyed giving of herself to others and to her family. I hope the wonderful memories that you must have will give you strength in this very difficult time.
Love, Rob and Astrid
Tarah Badgett
April 30, 2008
To Dorrie's Family:
Dorrie was such an amazing woman! I had Dorrie in two on my classes this semester, and can promise that she is truely missed. Dorrie was such a high spirited person, who always put others before her self. She was so encouraging! My prayers are with you. I am sorry for your loss.
Nancy Roso
April 30, 2008
Dorrie was one of the first people I called a friend when I started back to school. We sat together and laughed and joked in many classes. I will miss her dearly.
Nancy Roso
Dolores Sutter
April 30, 2008
Mike and Jeannie, as I looked across my classroom on Tuesday, there was a spirit of love, respect, and desire for knowledge that filled the chair where Dorrie sat. Her chair was not empty, but rather filled with her spirit of giving, sharing, compassion, concern, love, and smiling face that encouraged so many others. It was my pleasure and joy to have been her teacher for the past several months. Dorrie's spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched and helped during her journey on this earth. May God gently hold you and your family and keep you close during your time of grief. I will truly miss her.
Sandy and Jack Kirkland,Jr
April 30, 2008
Mike and Jeannie,
We will miss Dorrie with all our hearts and always remember her. She was a sweet and special person and words can not express our sorrow for what you and the entire family are going through at this difficult time. I will always cherish the week Lauren and I spent spring break at your house Mike, when she had foot surgery. We love you! Jackie, Sandy, and Lauren
Jack and Virginia Kirkland,Sr
April 30, 2008
Mike and Jeannie,
We want you to know that Dorrie will be forever in our hearts and that we will always be here for you. We can't express the sorrow we feel. Words aren't enough. She will always be remembered as the sweet, lovely person she was. We love you. Uncle Jack and Aunt Virginia
Irene Philipp
April 30, 2008
Dear Mike,
may you find the strength to get through this difficult time of of your great loss. We will keep Dorrie in our hearts forever and feel her sunny and beautiful presence at all our family gatherings and miss her.
Joshua Brown
April 30, 2008
Mike,
In my few brief conversations with Dorrie, I knew she was a very loving and caring person. My prayers are with you. God be with you.
Charlene Bentle
April 30, 2008
Mike and Jeannie, I am so sorry to hear about Dorrie. My prayers are with you and my heart is breaking for you both. We had fun times together and she will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She is in God's arms now and is being well cared for by all in heaven. May God be with you in this time of need.
Alisa and Randy Voss
April 30, 2008
Mike,
We pray that God will comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Though we met only a few times Dorrie's bright and caring personality made a lasting impression. Take care.
Leona Hayes
April 30, 2008
Mike, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I only met Dorrie a couple of times, but she was a beautiful person and you could see the love you 2 shared. Remember all the good times you shared and the special memories you have, it does help you get thru.
Linda King
April 30, 2008
There are no words to express my deep sorrow. Dorrie loved and nurtured the women she worked with and they grew like beautiful flowers; forever changed by the love she gave them. I will miss the long talks we shared about life and love at MHMR. We can love her most by touching other's lives. Love never dies. She will always live in the love she gave so freely.
AMIRALI Sunderji
April 30, 2008
Dear Mike,
We were very saddened to hear of your terrible loss by the passing away of your beloved wife, Dorrie. Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy.
Words cannot express our sorrow in your loss. Such a loss must certainly have touched you very deeply. I am sure that your loss is huge and we cannot imagine the hurt you feel. We wish you the best as you navigate through this very difficult time
We are praying to the almighty God to rest her soul in eternal peace and, at the same time, to give you ample courage to bear the heavy loss sustained: Amen
Amir Ali (Andy) & Yasmin Sunderji Family
Mike Collard
April 30, 2008
Mike,
So sorry about your wife. What a tribute to you and your wife, to see so many entries, you both are loved by many.
APT Easter Egg Project for the VOA Children
Dan & Laura Norton
April 30, 2008
To Dorries Family:
This is the Student organization that Dorrie was a very active member. We are called "A Positive Today" (APT). Dorrie was a big part in this project for making Easter Eggs for the childrfen of the VOA program in Ft. Worth. She also was a huge part in the Mothers Day basket we made for the Moms of those children. Dorries spirt and smile will live forever in our hearts, she was the most gracious women anybody could ever meet. Our world was and is a much better place because of Dorrie. May God bless you and hold you as you go through this time of sorrow. Dorrie was loved by all and she will be greatly and deeply missed. From all of us at the APT Club you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Hughes Jarnagin
April 30, 2008
I worked with Dorrie long ago in Neal Adams' office and have such fond memories of her bubbly personality, beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. I pray for her beautiful spirit.
Beth Maley
April 30, 2008
Mike,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dorrie was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers or with you and your family.
Jeff Purdum
April 30, 2008
Mike,
May God Bless you during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help in anyway. You are in my prayers.
Janiel Werner
April 30, 2008
Mike,
You don't know me but I knew Dorrie through Angela Thomas one of her closest classmates. I am so saddened by this loss of such an amazing woman. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Toni Worley
April 29, 2008
Mike - We pray that God will comfort you in the coming days. We will miss seeing Dorrie and we could tell you loved her very much. Our deepest sympathy. Charles and Toni Worley (next door neighbors)
Colette Cherry, friend of Candi Highsmith
April 29, 2008
To the Spears family,
I know this past year has been a truly difficult one...now you grieve for two precious souls. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. God will see you thru.
Dean & Noreen Offerman
April 29, 2008
Mike,
Noreen and I were saddened to hear of your loss of Dorrie. We have such wonderful memories of being with the two of you, that will stay with us forever. Your strength and the strength of others will help carry you through this time of sorrow. God bless you and your family.
Sami Gordon
April 29, 2008
To the family of Dorrie, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and my heart is saddened by your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dorrie at MHMR when she first began to work in the field of addiction. She was a special person, had a passion to help others and always offered a smile and a hug to those in need. God bless each of you. Your family will remain in my prayers, as God wraps His arms around you to comfort you in this difficult time.
Sami Gordon
Devon & Gene Thornton
April 29, 2008
Jason, we are sorry for the loss your family is coping with. Know that you, Stacy, your dad and the rest of your family have a lot of love and support from the friends around you.
Dorrie Allen
April 29, 2008
So sorry for your loss Mike. Dorrie was such a special friend to me...we went to school at TCC together and helped each other with the book load...I will miss her very much...I will keep your whole family in my prayers...God Bless You.
Gary and Carole Russell
April 29, 2008
Mike, We have not only worked together but we've become good friends. Carole and I are so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Dorrie. She will always be remembered as a beautiful and vibrant lady. From the moment we first met her it felt like we were all old friends. I doubt she ever met a stranger. We're here if you ever need anything. Our prayers are with you.
Dave & Pat samuelson
April 29, 2008
Mike & family;
we were very sadden to hear about the death of your precious wife. There really are no words that one can say at a time like this, except we pray that God will comfort you and your family as you say goodbye.
Always remember how blessed you were to have her in your life.
Iris Higgs
April 29, 2008
Heaven must be such a beautiful place to rest and to think that an Angel like Dorrie has now graced it's gates with her smile. Dorrie, we will all miss you so much. Mike, Jeannie and family, may peace and wonderful memories fill your hearts.
We love you all, Iris, Chase & Hailey
Michelle Loftin-Aimes
April 29, 2008
Tragic tragic loss. My deepest sympathy to the family she left behind.
Roxie Anderson
April 29, 2008
After working with Mike at Flexible Foam in Terrell Texas we heard wonderful stories of Dorrie. We know she was a very happy person and Mike received much happiness from her. We will always remember her thoughtfulness and the dreamer candles that she shared with the girls in the office. She will truely be remembered and loved.
Angie K
April 29, 2008
Jason, so sorry to hear of our loss. Your friends at Talyst are thinking of you and your family.
Jeff Block
April 29, 2008
Mike, I was shocked to hear of your loss. I only had the pleasure to meet Dorrie on a couple of ocassions, and those ocassions left such good memories. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dale Rodgers
April 29, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Dorrie. Dorrie loved her job at MHMR. She touched and changed many lives through her work. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Dan and Ute Cowell
April 29, 2008
You are in our thoughts at this sad time, please know that our heartfelt sympathy is with you and the family. Your neighbors
Clark Stacey
April 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Take Care, Clark
Bob Vesey
April 29, 2008
Our sincerest condolences Mike for the loss of your lovely wife. She was always a lot of fun to be around and I know you were blessed with her devotion to you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sherrie Miller
April 29, 2008
The Spears Family,
I just wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers. I met Dorrie in the Mental Health program at TCC. Dorrie inspired me with her personality as well as her grades. I missed her in class today. It was just not the same without her. God Bless you all
Jaye Burns
April 29, 2008
To the family of Dorrie: I worked with her at CATS for about 8 months and from the first time I met her - I loved her! She had a wonderful glow and a beautiful spirit that just shined brightly. I worked the front desk so I got to see her when she would come to work and got to know her fairly well. I just want yall to know that she was very loved and she was a very special person who touched so many lives including mine. God Bless you all.
John & Diane Grigsby
April 29, 2008
Mike & Family, We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss. May the Lord be with each of you and grant you His peace. We know she is in His arms and smiling down on you now.
Don Rauscher
April 29, 2008
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God bless and comfort you during this troubling time. My prayers are with you.
Don Rauscher
Jeff Cayford
April 29, 2008
Mike-
Our family's prayers go out to you and your family as you deal with the loss of your wife.
Bill Edwards
April 29, 2008
Mike,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. Although I never met her, I know thru our relationship and reading about her, she was your queen and most cherished possesion. My sincerest condolences.
Baxter Shields
April 29, 2008
Mike, Cathy and I were sorry to hear of the loss of your wife Dorrie. God Bless you and your family during these trying times. Dorrie was a special person and will be missed by all. Baxter
Robin Stacey
April 29, 2008
We are all so sorry for your loss.
ALL of us at corp.office are thinking of you and your family.
Delma Chavez
April 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ron Scheck
April 29, 2008
Mike, my deepest sympathies to you and your family, you are in our prayers and thoughts. You have been a great friend to me and many other people over the years, you and Dorrie were a bright light in Arlington and she will be missed.
Michelle Manfred
April 29, 2008
Sorry for your loss and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
John Darby
April 29, 2008
So sorry for the tragic loss. Had met Dorrie only a few times over years, but know how much she brought joy to the lives of those she touched. And, my friend, Mike, always smiled when in her company or when her name was mentioned. Our prayers are with you all.
Kevin Ryan
April 28, 2008
Dorrie was a compassionate and caring friend. I have known her for some time through school and work. She helped me keep up with my assignments at school when I missed class, she was a great listener, and always greeted me with a smile when I ran into her at work. I will miss her loving words and genuine nature. Her legacy of service will be carried on by those whose lives were touched-clients, co workers, and fellow students...My deepest condolences are with Dorrie's family and loved ones. Rest peacefully my friend....Kevin
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