Dorothy Christmas Escue

Dorothy Mildred Christmas Escue, age 83, of Searcy, AR, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 22, 2025, surrounded by family.

Dorothy was born at home on October 25, 1941, in Brownsville, TN, to Charles and Mildred Christmas. She graduated from Haywood County High School in 1960 and went on to earn her college degree from Harding College in Searcy, AR, in 1964. Dorothy spent most of her life in West Tennessee, where she dedicated herself first and foremost to her role as a wife and a mother, and later to educating young minds as a math teacher at Memphis Harding Academy for 19 years.

A teacher at heart, Dorothy always showed patience and tenderness to those in the classroom and everyone around her. She was known for her gentle wisdom, steady spirit, and unwavering faith. She and her husband, Jerry, were active members of the Sojourner community, where they served Christian institutions around the country for 17 years, traveling together in their RV and offering help wherever they were needed. They were also members of Campbell Street Church of Christ for 27 years.

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Jerry Escue; her three children, David Escue (Sheryl), Laura Whitman (Jimmy), and Carolyn Cohu (Eric); and her brother, Charles Christmas (Carolyn). She was a cherished Grammy to eight grandchildren: Garrett Escue (Kendal), Colin Escue (Lane), Jacob Whitman, Baylor Cohu (Megan), Hailey Manasco (Joe), Cassie Cohu (fiancé Ben Jerry), Caroline Whitman, and Daniel Whitman. She also leaves behind eight beloved great-grandchildren: Rhys, Olivia, Averie, Payson, Colt, Karter Kate, Miller, and one more on the way. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mildred Christmas, and her sister, Mary Jane Underwood.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Campbell Street Church of Christ in Jackson, TN, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN.

Pallbearers for the service are Garrett Escue, Colin Escue, Jacob Whitman, Walt Hunt, Daniel Whitman and Baylor Cohu. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Joe Hunt and Dr. Eugene Underwood.

The family requests that donations be made in Dorothy’s memory to Jackson Christian School, 832 Country Club Ln., Jackson, TN 38305; Memphis Harding Academy, 1100 Cherry Rd., Memphis, TN 38117; or the Nicaragua Christian School, c/o Campbell Street Church of Christ, 1490 Campbell St., Jackson, TN 38305 — all institutions dear to her heart. Dorothy’s life was a beautiful testimony of love, faith, excellence and service.

She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by all who were blessed to know her. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.