Dorothy Jeffcoat

Dorothy Jeffcoat: A Legacy of Family, Education, and Unwavering Service to Community

Dorothy Jeffcoat, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great­ grandmother, passed October 3, 2024. Her life was marked by her profound commitment to her family, her students, her faith, and her countless acts of service to the community she called home.

Born August 1, 1930 on Meadow Brook farm near Waco, Dorothy's life was defined by her dedication to her family, whom she prioritized above all else. A steadfast pillar of love and support, she leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and all future generations. Her unwavering devotion to family values was evident in the countless moments spent together, her gentle guidance, and her ever-present encouragement. 

Dorothy's lifelong desire for knowledge and learning was apparent by her academic achievements, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1972 and a Master of Arts in 1980, both from the University of Houston. Dorothy's commitment to education was as profound as it was lasting. She began her teaching career as a substitute at LaMarque Independent School District, eventually becoming a full-time English teacher, where she dedicated 17 years before retiring in 1986. Her passion for teaching extended to higher education, where she taught at Galveston Community College and College of the Mainland. Dorothy was not just an educator but a mentor and inspiration to her students, instilling in them a love of learning that would last a lifetime.

Her contributions to education went beyond her teaching role. She was an active member of the LaMarque Educators Association, where she served as Secretary and received numerous recognitions, including the 50th Anniversary Commission Certificate from LaMarque. Dorothy's involvement in youth literacy extended to volunteer work in programs like HOSTS, where she tutored children in reading, helping them build foundational skills with patience and care. Her devotion to education even continued into retirement as she participated in children's reading programs at the LaMarque Public Library, where she volunteered and was honored with certificates of recognition for her years of dedication.

In addition to teaching and tutoring youth, Dorothy served as president, as well as first and second vice president, of the Mainland Retired Teachers Association, earning multiple certificates and recognition awards from the Texas Retired Teachers Association for her years of outstanding community service. 

Dorothy's love for her community was reflected in her extensive volunteer work, civic involvement, and countless community roles. She was a founding member of the reestablished League of Women Voters in the Galveston area, including LaMarque and Texas City, where she served on the board and dedicated herself to promoting civic engagement. Dorothy worked on several committees, including Youth and Violence, Emergency Management, and Immigration studies, and organized voter registration drives, election forums, and served as elections judge. Her commitment to civic service also extended to LaMarque's Land Use Committee, contributing to school facility planning and bond issue steering committees.

An advocate for public safety and community wellbeing, Dorothy was an officer with LaMarque Crime Stoppers, where she worked tirelessly to promote safety and security in her community. She also supported the National Night Out initiative and volunteered with the Turnaround Coalition on Violence. She was a member of the Keep Texas Beautiful Commission, focusing on improving local environments and fostering community pride. To honor our fallen military heroes, she participated in Lamarque's Wreath's Across America program, placing wreaths on the headstones of fallen heroes.

Dorothy's dedication extended into cultural enrichment and the arts. She was a beloved volunteer usher at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, the Arena Theater at the College of the Mainland, and the Galveston Outdoor Theater, where she was recognized with certificates of appreciation for her service and commitment to the arts. Her enthusiasm for beauty and nature was evident through her active involvement in the LaMarque Garden Club, where she held various positions and frequently received accolades for her vibrant garden and landscaping, bringing joy to her neighborhood and community. 

Dorothy's faith was a guiding force in her life. A longtime member of Paul's Union Church in LaMarque, she joined St. Michael's Episcopal Church in 2020, where her warmth and compassion touched the hearts of her fellow congregants. Her volunteerism extended to hospice care, where she frequently visited nursing homes, offering companionship, comfort, and care to those in need. Dorothy's kindness in this role was recognized with Hospice Care Bereavement Volunteer certificates, a testament to her selflessness and dedication to helping others through their most difficult times. 

Dorothy Jeffcoat's commitment to community service and education was celebrated through numerous awards and honors. In 2003, the City of LaMarque declared "Dorothy Jeffcoat Day" in recognition of her significant contributions, and she was also named a Community Builder by the LaMarque Lodge, No. 1325. As Chairperson of the LaMarque Clean City Commission, Dorothy played a crucial role in local beautification efforts. Her dedication to education was equally recognized with various certificates from the LaMarque Independent School District, including accolades for her contributions as a special mentor, guest reader, and for her involvement in the Summer Enrichment Program and strategic planning initiatives. Her passion for gardening earned her multiple "Yard of the Month" awards from the LaMarque Garden Club, where she proudly maintained an immaculate garden with flowers and homegrown vegetables. Dorothy also received honors for her involvement in literacy and public relations, such as the 21st Century Teacher Award and certificates for National Children's Book Week. Her longstanding service with the Mainland Retired Teachers Association was marked by numerous awards, including the Silver Star Award and recognition for her devotion to the public library. Through these honors, Dorothy's legacy of service, community pride, and educational support lives on as an inspiration to all who knew her.   

Dorothy was also a longtime member, chaplain and secretary of Alpha Delta Kappa, a service oriented sorority that recognizes and supports outstanding women educators. Initiated in 1978, she contributed more than 35 years of service to the organization and was honored as a Sapphire Sister for her enduring commitment. 

Dorothy Jeffcoat will be remembered as a beacon of compassion, integrity, and kindness. Her life serves as a testament to the profound impact one person can make on their community through love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service. Her legacy will live on in the lives of her family, the students she taught, and the countless individuals she touched through her volunteer work. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Oscar Kenneth Jeffcoat; parents Bessie and Dan Oliver; sisters Betty Keener and Virginia Jackson; brother Douglas Oliver; and son Ron Jeffcoat. She is survived by her children Linda DeGraw and Kenneth Jeffcoat; grandchildren Christa Trimm, Shannon Jeffcoat, Jim Jeffcoat, Caleb Soboleski and Abigail Soboleski; great-grandchildren, Briannon Trimm, Maura Trimm and partner James McFarlin, Coy Jeffcoat, Eric Jeffcoat, Olin Jeffcoat; great-great grandchild Jackson James McFarlin, step grandchildren, Leslie Brown and Jeremy Brown, and step great grandchild, Kendall Lassiter.

A memorial service will be held on November 9th at 3pm at St. Michael Episcopal Church in LaMarque, Texas.

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One day You'll make everything new, Jesus

One day You will bind every wound

The former things shall all pass away

No more tears

One day You'll make sense of it all, Jesus

One day every question resolved

Every anxious thought left behind

No more fear

When we all get to heaven

What a day of rejoicing that will be

When we all see Jesus

We'll sing and shout the victory

One day we will see face to face, Jesus

Is there a greater vision of grace

And in a moment, we shall be changed

On that day

And one day we'll be free, free indeed, Jesus

One day all this struggle will cease

And we will see Your glory revealed

On that day

And when we all get to heaven

What a day of rejoicing that will be

When we all see Jesus

We'll sing and shout the victory

Yes, when we all get to heaven

What a day of rejoicing that will be

And when we all see Jesus

We'll sing and shout the victory, oh

One day, one day

Yes, one day we will see face to face, Jesus

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The Parable of the Good Samaritan

 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”