Dorothy Earle KEMBLE

1921 - 2016

KEMBLE, Dorothy Earle
Dorothy Earle Kemble, 94, of Austin, Tx passed away peacefully April 11, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Known as "Doff" or "Mom" to friends and family, Dorothy was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Karon and husband, Frank Glass of Dripping Springs, her grandson Aaron, and wife, Jennifer Glass of Austin, her granddaughter Betsy, and husband Mike Wiegman of Buda, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and 3 nephews whom she loved and cherished. Dorothy's adoration of her family was evident and she was a strong influence in their lives. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Franklin Gregory Kemble, her parents, Senate Earle and Elizabeth Rich Womack, and sister, June Unfried. Dorothy was born in Coolidge, Tx on October 2, 1921, and at the age of 2 moved to Groesbeck, Tx, where she spent her formative years close to family. Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at the age of 8 and remained a faithful servant of The Lord the rest of her life.

Dorothy shared her deep love for faith, family, and education with her husband, Frank. She also introduced him to her other love, music. She began playing piano at the age of 3 on her beloved "Aunt Bill's" piano, and the family soon realized she had the special gift of playing by ear. When Dorothy married, her Aunt gifted the piano to her, and Dorothy always had the piano prominently displayed in her home and enjoyed playing it daily. At the age of 8, Dorothy won a horse in a raffle, which she promptly sold to buy an accordion from Sears and Roebuck. Dorothy played accordion, ukulele, piano, and various other instruments for countless friends and family over the years, never needing a sheet of music. She brought so much joy to others over the years, and played everything from the Groesbeck Fight Song at games as a young girl, to filling special requests at Stonebridge Health Center, where she spent her final years.

Dorothy was an excellent student, and became Class President and Homecoming Queen. She attended Westminster Jr. College, where she met future husband, Frank, on their first day. They realized, while on a double date with other partners, that they were meant to be together. They were married on Valentine's Day, 1942, and had a fairytale marriage until Frank's death in 2011. Thinking they were unable to have children, the couple was overjoyed to welcome daughter, Karon, while Frank was in the service. They soon moved to Waco, where Frank received his degree in Education at Baylor University, and thus began another life-long love, of the Baylor Bears. Frank was hired as Principal of Groesbeck High School, and Dorothy created the first private kindergarten in Groesbeck, which she ran out of her home. Over the years, Frank served as Superintendent for several districts in Texas, and Dorothy was always there to support him, even serving as school secretary in Groesbeck, Eldorado, Cameron and Thorndale. Frank and Dorothy also became an integral part of their local Baptist Church and various other organizations benefitting their community wherever they lived. Karon remembers her parents leaving many anonymous "love baskets" on front porches in the middle of the night for families in need.

Upon retirement, Frank and Dorothy moved to Austin to be close to Karon and their grandchildren. They became active members of Bannockburn Baptist Church, where Dorothy used her musical talents as First Chairman of the famed Singing Christmas Tree. Frank and Dorothy also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and loved sharing their love for The Lord with others. Dorothy and Karon opened the 'Lil Bit Country Gift Store, and Dorothy took great pride in creating cookie and flower bouquets they became known for. After moving to Austin, Frank and Dorothy were very involved in their grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives, never missing a school or sport event. Dorothy Earle, "Mom", will be forever missed by friends and family.

Visitation will be held at Fitzhugh Baptist Church in Dripping Springs on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 12:00-1:45pm with service to begin at 2:00 pm. Graveside service immediately following at Fitzhugh Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.