Dorothy Marie Stevenson

It is with profound love and enduring gratitude that we acknowledge the passing of Dorothy Marie Stevenson (née Thames), who left this life peacefully on September 28, 2025, in Montgomery, Texas, at the remarkable age of 106.

Born May 6, 1919, in Victoria, Texas, Dorothy's journey spanned more than a century of love, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to family and community. Dorothy came into a world very different from the one she has left. Growing up in the warm heart of South Texas, the Great Depression shaped her lifelong resilience and resourcefulness. Parents and family taught her virtues of perseverance and kindness, love, faith, gratitude and service to others.

She traveled the world, witnessed profound changes-from the dawn of radio and powered flight, to the digital age, cellphones and social media, yet she embraced, relished the changes, always looking forward.

As a young woman, she displayed strength, and vibrant curiosity about the world. She loved books, music, and enjoyed a successful time as a vocalist in the Big Bands of the 30s and 40s, and during World War II performed on nationwide war-bond radio broadcasts such as the Coca Cola Victory Parade.

In the years following the war, Dorothy worked in local radio, served as Program Director for two radio stations in Victoria where she met and married the love of her life, Ben M. Stevenson. Together they built a marriage partnership rooted in mutual respect, laughter, and enduring love.

Dorothy embraced motherhood, poured her heart into raising her children Jim and Bill. She also found time for her lifelong passion of contract bridge, becoming a member and Master in the ACBL, and found time to establish another career as an antique appraiser culminating in her position as Curator of the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum.

Dorothy's life was also defined by her deep commitment to others. She gave freely of her time and talents to church, charitable organizations, and community causes such as United Way, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Montgomery County Assistance League, Helping Hands of Conroe, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, April Sound Church, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She drew strength and purpose from her relationship with God and was a steadfast member of her April Sound Church community.

She is preceded in death by her beloved sisters Margaret Thames and Lucille Thames Curlee, husband Ben Marshal Stevenson, her parents James Oscar and Lena Thames, her eldest son James H. Stevenson and many dear family members and friends who now welcome her.

She is survived by her son William, grandchildren Coleman Stevenson, Stephanie Wells, J.B. Stevenson, great-grandchildren Briley and Lilly Wells, Peyton and Marshal Stevenson, each of whom will carry Dottie's memory forward with pride and joy.

A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on OCTOBER 16, 1 PM at APRIL SOUND CHURCH, 67 1/2 April Wind South, Montgomery, Texas. Public parking is available west of the church on Hwy 105. After the service friends and family are invited to gather, share memories and honor the remarkable woman whose life touched so many. Interment to follow at a later date in VICTORIA, TEXAS.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family requests that donations be made in Dorothy's memory to the APRIL SOUND CHURCH Children's Ministry, COLORADO SPRINGS PIONEERS MUSEUM education fund or other charity organization of your choice.

Though Dorothy's journey with us has ended, her soul lives in the arms of Jesus - with the values she instilled, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so generously. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life well-lived.

She is and will be missed beyond measure.