Dorothy Sue Diekmann

FORT WORTH - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. September 23, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3621 Tulsa Way; Fort Worth, Texas 76107; followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Memorial Park.
Dorothy Sue Diekmann passed away peacefully August 16, 2024. She was 100 years old.
Dorothy was born in Muskogee Oklahoma and later the family moved to Dallas. She had five sisters and one brother.
In 1929, because of economic hardships and neglect, the children were sent to the Waco State Home. It was there that Dorothy had to adjust to a new way of life. Although it was a huge adjustment, Dorothy managed to make this new life a positive experience. She did this by gravitating to adult role models and by trusting those who could help her.
At the age of 18, Dorothy was sent to school to learn to rivet and during the war she worked at Consolidated, now Lockheed Martin. It was during that time Dorothy met the love of her life, Johnny Diekmann. They married April 1, 1946.
Johnny was a Lutheran and both of them became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in 1946 under the direction of Pastor Wold.
Dorothy and Johnny had two children, John and Richard. During her early years, Dorothy was active in the church and a room mother for both children.
In 2008, Dorothy was approached by Sherry Matthews who was writing a book about the history of the Waco State Home. This project gave Dorothy the opportunity to reveal extensive information about her life in the Waco State Home. The book "We Were Not Orphans" was published in 2011. This book opened doors to reunions and book signings. It also gave her the opportunity to meet up with other people who were raised in the Waco State Home.
In 2019, through the miracle of DNA testing, Dorothy learned she had a sister that was adopted. Joy West was born after the children were sent to the Waco State Home. Several visits took place and it was a treasure to see both of them share stories together. A short time later, Joy passed away January 16, 2022.
In later years, Dorothy made regular visits to see her mother. As a peacemaker, Dorothy and her sisters were able to reach out and offer help to their mother.
Throughout her life, Dorothy was able to take on new beginnings without fear. She kept a positive attitude and always hoped for the best. She was a friend to everyone and a true mother with a heart of gold.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny and her son, John Arthur.
She is survived by her son, Richard; several cousins and many friends. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXGoPRslS7w
GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME
Greenwood Funeral - Cremation
3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-336-0584