Dorothy “Dot” Jean Parsons

Dorothy Jean Parsons (“Dot”), 91, of Midland, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, due to complications she suffered after a stroke. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Resthaven Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on July 27, 1934 in Peterson, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama to R.N. and Leafy Abston. As a child she was a bit of a tomboy, exploring the woods and creek and climbing trees with her cousins and brother. This was the beginning of her love for walking, which she did most days of her life. After high school, Dot worked as a waitress in a cafe where she met and fell in love with Joe Walter Parsons. In August of 1952 she came to Midland, Texas where Joe had taken a job with Borden Dairy and they married. Their union was blessed with three daughters. Dot was a remarkable woman and a wonderful mother. Her children revered her as the smartest mom in the world. She was a Sunday school teacher, president of the PTA, Girl Scout leader and a member of Midland County Republican Women, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She excelled in many things—cooking, sewing, crocheting and dancing to name a few. She was known for her excellent pies. If a friend had a death in their family, they could count on Dot showing up right away with one of her pies. She often got requests for an order of pies. Her crocheting specialty was houseshoes. It seemed like at least half of Midland must have owned a pair of Dot’s crocheted houseshoes. She was an avid “Roll Tide” and Dallas Cowboys fan. She also loved golf, both playing and watching. She knew all the pros by name and watched them religiously in her golden years. She loved Elvis and George Strait, and the Grand Ole Opry. Dot was a housewife for many years, but as the children grew up and left the nest she took a few office jobs at various places—Midwest Glass (Auto Glass) and Ozarka Water, and then after her husband passed away she briefly worked at Borden Dairy before going to work for Richard Tatsch, a Midland home builder at the time. From there she purchased Permian Interiors which began a long relationship with a wonderfully talented designer, Sharon Spear Smith. Dot spent many evenings at the American Legion Post 19, Cattle Baron Restaurant, and VFW Southside, where she enjoyed visiting and laughing with friends, dancing, karaoke and a few glasses of merlot. She was an inspiration to many, and her home was “always there” to friends and neighbors alike. She was called a “force of nature” by some for her charismatic personality, while one friend referred to her as a “freak of nature” because she never seemed to age.

Dorothy is survived by a sister, Mary Darby of Peterson, Alabama, as well as many nieces and nephews; daughters, Fredda Hall (Jeff Hall) of Colleyville, Kathy Smith of Colleyville, and Elizabeth June Holmes of Midland; grandchildren Felicity Hall, Shawn Hall, Micah Kershner (Jason Kershner), Kayleigh Hale Jackson (Nick Jackson), Jake Hale and Logan Holmes; great grandchildren Madi Lindsey, Piper Hall, Lucas Kershner, Elias Kershner, Paisley Jackson, Olivia Hallmeyer, Bear Jackson, Hazel Hale and Olive Hale.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Walter Parsons; parents R.N. and Leafy Abston, stepdad Eschol Abston; siblings Bobby Abston, Betty Kizziah and Maxie Abston; and great granddaughter Ryleigh June Kershner.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nursing staff at Encompass Midland and Ashton Medical Lodge, and the staff at BeeHive Homes of Andrews and Home Hospice of Andrews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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