Dorothy (Means) Durdin

DOROTHY (MEANS) DURDIN Dorothy Â“Aunt DotÂ” Antonie Means Durdin was born in Waller County, Texas on September 22, 1927 to Jackson Â“JackÂ” Means and Ida Mae Braband Means. She graduated from Waller High School and shortly thereafter married Leon Franklin Durdin of Oakhurst, San Jacinto County, Texas on August 23, 1947. They lived in Houston, Texas where they were members of the Missionary Church of God in The Heights. Dorothy taught Sunday school and both she and Leon were actively involved with the church for 41 years. Though they were not blessed with biological children, they were like second parents to many nieces and nephews and raised a niece, Dorothy Hatcher, as their own. In 1991, they moved to their farm in Oakhurst and became members of the Oakhurst Full Gospel Church where Dorothy again taught Sunday school and Leon was a member of the Board. Dorothy was Â“Aunt DotÂ” to everyone, young and old, whether related to her or not. No one could come into her home without being asked if they wanted something to eat or drink and she almost always had a cake or other dessert (the most decadent and rich desserts one could imagine) on hand to tempt you. The kids grew up on her homemade malts and many of them wore clothes she made. She was a wonderful seamstress and her Â“western outfitsÂ” were even seen on television on Saturday nights on a local Houston station as one of her nephews was a country singer. Aunt Dot loved to laugh and knew how to have a good time just by being with family. Her laugh was more of a Â“cackleÂ” and it was infectious. She loved her family; laughed when they laughed, cried when they cried, hurt when they hurt. Her goal was to see everyone, especially family members come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him. She prayed and fasted for the souls of her loved ones and even those she had only heard of. Dorothy lost her best friend and the love of her life, Leon on July 23, 2007. They were married one month shy of 60 years. Her faith saw her through that devastating time and she said that God had given her Â“the peace that only God can giveÂ” and knew Leon would be waiting for her on the other side. Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husband Leon Durdin, her parents Jack and Ida Means, brothers and sisters-in-law Joseph Â“JoeÂ” Means, Thomas H. Â“NukeÂ” Means, Theodore "Pete" and Louise Means; sisters and brothers-in-law Bertha (Sissy) and Alfred Wright and Margaret Â“InezÂ” and Alfred Durdin. She is survived by brothers Jack Allen Means and wife Gisela, I.B. Means and wife Dixxie, sisters-in-law Annie Means and Irene Means along with many generations of nieces, nephews, friends and her church family. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. Â– 9:00 p.m. Services for Dorothy will be held on Friday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oakhurst Full Gospel Church under the direction of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Pastors for the service will be Bro. Glenn Cooksey and Bro. Charles Denman. Pallbearers will be Tom Means, Steve Means, Scott Means, Shane Botard, Darrell Mitchum and Erik Benestante. Interment will follow at Mt. Capers Cemetery in Oakhurst. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Dorothy (Means) Durdin

September 22, 1927 - November 11, 2013