Dorothy Lea

SHREVEPORT, LA – Dorothy JoEllen Chandler Lea passed on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Heritage Manor Stratmore in Shreveport, LA. She was born on July 18, 1933, in Texarkana, TX. Her parents were the late Ellis "Tex" Chandler and Mary Liston Chandler.
Dorothy moved to Shreveport to attend St Vincent Academy boarding school. She continued her education at Northwestern School of Nursing. Following her schooling she worked in Shreveport at Highland Hospital, Browning Clinic, and The American Red Cross until retirement.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was loved by her friends and neighbors and was actively involved in her Church and Community over the years. She served on the NWLA Aids Task Force and Interfaith Council Boards. She and Dolph did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and Catholic Charities, providing housing for unwed mothers. She was also a Brownie Scout Leader at South Highlands when her daughters were young. Dorothy loved a good book and enjoyed "tea-time" in the afternoon. Family gatherings were always filled with her funny stories, and her recognizable laugh that will live well beyond her years. Her marriage of 58 years to Rudolph Elmo "Dolph" Lea Jr. was something to be admired. He preceded her in death in 2012 and was surely there waiting to greet her when she arrived at the pearly gates.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law Ann O'Brien and Dinah DeFatta of Shreveport, LA, and Patty Lea of Pine Prairie, LA, brother-in-law Joe DeFatta; and sons-in-law Mike DeFreese of Bastrop, LA, Kevin Kinmon of Shreveport, LA, and JR Adams of Keatchie, LA. She is survived by daughters: Rebecca Kinmon of Shreveport, LA, Roxanne and Grady Taylor of Baton Rouge, LA, Carol Adams of Keatchie, LA, brothers-in-law John Lea of Pine Prairie, LA, Jim and Laura Lea of Georgetown, TX, grandchildren Celeste DeFreese and Ryland Kinmon of Shreveport, LA, Christian and Christy Taylor Klein of Austin, TX, Jason and Lindsey Taylor Shaw of Baton Rouge, LA, Kevin and Hannah Taylor Layne of Houston, TX, Robert and Crystal Adams of Magnolia, TX, Seth and Lillie Adams Wiley of Stonewall, LA. She is also survived by ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family appreciates Dorothy's neighbors for their love and support, especially in the last few years of her life. They would also like to thank the staff at Heritage Manor Stratmore and Lifepath Hospice for nursing home services as well as hospice care.
Please join us for a celebration of Dorothy's life on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 2PM, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport, LA with Father Long officiating. Family visit will be held immediately following in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity or organization of your choice.