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BORN
1936
DIED
2020
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Dorothy Coffey Obituary
Raised a farmers daughter, her father, Orval Stites, was known as the "Strawberry King" of the Valley. A self-proclaimed 'daddy's girl', Dorothy loved horses, was a Donna Redskin Indian Sweetheart and raced cars for sport.
Dorothy was a teacher in the Houston, Port Lavaca, Edinburg and Donna school districts for 31 years. She was dedicated to her family, church, and friends who cared for her deeply. Her greatest joys were found in teaching and her family. As a teacher, Dorothy touched many lives and always said she received as much as she gave. After retirement, she worked as a volunteer at Rio Grande Regional for 6 years. She then started tutoring in the H.O.S.T program in Donna ISD.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Coffey, father and mother, Orval and Iva Stites, a stepmother Tommie Boyce Stites, brother Neal Stites, and sisters Beverly 'Janie' Stites and Gweneth Hayes. She was also preceded in death by a wonderful step sister Barbara Boyce (Eggi) Edwards and stepbrother Miles (Margaret) Boyce and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dorothy is survived by her sons Randall (Jeanine) Webb of Plano Texas; Richard Orval Webb of North Carolina; Terri (Eric) Lewis of McAllen Texas and Robyn Coffey of McAllen Texas; grandsons, Eric (Tesha) Lewis Jr. of Galt, CA and Marshall Lewis of Galt, CA; grand-daughters, Katelyn, Taylor, Mallory and Claire Webb.
A memorial service will be held on May 30, 11:00 am, at Graveside in Restlawn Cemetery, La Feria, where she will be laid to rest with her soulmate Dale.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Coffey
Joyce Springate
May 12, 2025
Dorothy was a very special cousin. Loved visiting with her and she was always a lot of fun. I was sorry to learn of her death. She always told me Randy wanted to know his relatives. I tried several times to contact him and it would be wonderful if we could get together. We do have cousins in Joplin and if you would like to meet them please let me know. May you have a blessed whenever you read this
Joyce Springate
February 24, 2024
I am a cousin to Dorothy Jean.. I was so sorry to learn of her passing. I tried calling for several years but did not get in touch with her. I have been trying to get hold of Randy but to know avail. Randy or Rick, if you see this please give me. Call. Would love to visit with you and catch up on family news. 816-933+4552. I had the silver camaro you all loved. Love Joyce,your cousin.
Bruce Kalter
May 27, 2020
She made a difference in thousands of lives, My mom who went to be with the Lord a year ago worked with her, now they are together praising our savior in love and glory.
Eloy Avila
May 25, 2020
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Very fond memories of a very classy lady. Eloy & Irma Avila
Denise Zimmer-Peck
May 24, 2020
My deepest condolences on the family's loss.
She was an extraordinary lady. She taught a couple of my brothers when we moved to Donna. I had the pleasure of getting to know her when she came in to volunteer with our H.OS.T.S. kids. Monday morning 8:00. Of course our classes didn't start until 8:30. It was always a pleasure to visit with her. Heaven gained a beautiful soul. RIP Mrs. Coffey.
Ed Alvarado Jr.
May 24, 2020
Dorothy was a legend herself in Donna, especially at FBC Donna. She and her husband Dale were an inspiration to our church, esp. In Choir. She loved our children dearly. We will forever cherish her in our hearts.
Toni Martínez-Olivarez
May 24, 2020
Mrs. Coffee was an amazing person and the best teacher I ever had. She taught me so much, but more importantly, she taught me to care for others. May she Rest In Peace! My condolences to her family. She will forever live in my heart and memories!
Josie G. Perez
May 24, 2020
Mrs. Coffey was one of the best teachers that my daughter Renee had. She loved her students dearly. R.I.P. Mrs. Coffey
Giselda Gonzalez
May 24, 2020
My condolences to the family. I am one of the many lifes she touched, she was the greatest teacher and will be missed.
Celina Sauceda-Garza
May 24, 2020
She was the most wonderful teacher. So sad to hear of her passing. She taught us to be patriotic, combing music and song in her teaching, to be respectful, and to love learning. Mrs (as she signed her name on the blackboard), thank you for being the kind of teacher who inspired me. I will never forget you and the words to all the songs you taught us to sing every morning..Youre a Grand Ole Flag, Texas Our Texas, We Love Our Valley Home, and Oh Were Going to the Hukilau. About 10 years ago I ran into her and she remembered me by name! ❤Rest in Peace my sweet teacher. ❤
Fernando and Nora Munoz
May 24, 2020
We purchased our home from Dale and Dorothy 29 years ago, almost to the day.....they were both the kindest, sweetest people Ive ever met. My deepest condolences to their family. May she Rest In Peace.
Nancy Muñoz-Garza
May 24, 2020
Mrs. Coffey is the best teacher who has ever or will ever live! She was the only teacher who could handle a classroom full of undiagnosed ADHD students in the mid-1980s. She followed our class to 5th grade (thank goodness) and continued to influence us. At our senior baccalaureate, she was the invited speaker where she read letters that we had written to her. While memories of elementary school are fading, I will always remember how safe I felt in her class (before that was a thing). I am a music teacher now and I love what I do. She will forever be the example of how important teachers are in the lives of students. As a friend of mine told me recently...Be the Coffey! I love you Mrs. Coffey!
Sonya Sinsebox
May 24, 2020
Mrs. Coffey was a warm and engaging teacher who served as a role model for me as I began my teaching career. She was thoughtful and respectful. I will remember Mrs. Coffey fondly as she definitely was kind to me.
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