Dolores Hutcheson

Hutcheson, Dolores (Dee), of Dallas, Texas, passed away March 3, 2026, at the age of 92. Born in Dallas to Lillian Hibbard-Ash and Rev. J. C. Hibbard, founding pastor of the Gospel Lighthouse Church, Dee's life was steeped in music and ministry from the start. Before school each morning, she stood on a stool to reach the microphone at KSKY radio, singing for her family's live broadcast heard across the country.

A graduate of Sunset High School, Dee later pursued studies at SMU and beyond. She was a visionary entrepreneur, founding the Dee of Dallas modeling agency, where she pioneered the use of female models for men's apparel and provided the premiere talent for the annual State Fair of Texas automobile show. Her creative eye later led her to establish Dolores, Inc., an interior design firm with a portfolio spanning residential and commercial projects both domestically and abroad.

Beyond her professional success, Dee was a pillar of the Dallas arts and philanthropic community. She dedicated her time to the USA Film Festival, the Dallas Civic Opera, and the Dallas Ballet. As a board member for the American Heart Association, she was instrumental in establishing free blood pressure clinics throughout the Dallas area. An accomplished pianist and vocalist, she was also known by friends and family as a masterful gourmet cook.

Dee was preceded in death by her sister, June Marie Underwood, and her brother, J.C. Hibbard, Jr. She is survived by her son, Ed Elkins, and his wife Vale Asche Elkins; her grandchildren, Tanner Elkins and Alexandra Elkins; her sisters, Jaynell Songstad and Darlene Walker; Darlene's husband Merv Walker; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.