Madison Whitson

Madison Hortenstine (Dolly) Whitson passed away November 8, 2012, five days after her 64th birthday. Madison was born to Raleigh and Madison Hortenstine in Lafayette, Louisiana. She grew up in Houston and graduated from Sullins and Randolph-Macon Colleges in Virginia. She married Thomas E. Whitson in Houston June 2, 1973. Although she and Tom lived on both the west and east coasts during his career with Exxon, most of their family life was in Houston. Dolly volunteered so many hours at St. Francis Episcopal Day School that Principal Sally Woolrich hired her to handle the "back office." Later she worked at St. John's School, The Fay School, and Roywell Services. The great joys in her life included helping others, particularly animals in need, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially in Wimberley. Madison has left us a remarkable legacy through her positive influence and generosity of spirit.
Shortly after receiving special visits from her beloved golden retrievers Dylan, Cane, and Buddy, Madison died while surrounded by those she loved most. Survivors include her husband, Tom; daughters, Katherine Rountree Whitson and fiancé J. Scott Childers, and Rebecca Hathway Whitson; brothers and sisters-in-law Raleigh III and Sherry Hortenstine of Dallas, Dale and Carolyn Hortenstine, and Jim and Marcie Hortenstine of Houston. Tom's sister Debby Hempy of Ohio provided exceptional comfort and support and Deb Burdick and Melanie Lewis were steadfast in helping Tom care for Madison.
A memorial service celebrating her life will take place on Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Road in Houston, Texas 77024. Madison donated her body for medical research to help others have a better outcome. In lieu of flowers, she wanted consideration of a donation either to Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston (GRRH - P.O. Box 19594 Houston TX 77224 or www.grrh.org/donate) or to Corticobasal Degeneration research at UT Health, Department of Neurology in memory of Madison Whitson (PO Box 203366 Houston TX 77216-3366).