Dorothy Helen (Long) Whiteside, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 16, 2020, at her home in Sipe Springs, Texas at the age of 86.
Dorothy was born on January 7, 1934 in Rising Star, Texas to Raleigh and Lorene (Shook) Long. She attended school and graduated from Rising Star High School. She was very active in school, where she was a cheerleader and basketball player. She met the love of her life, Joe Robert Whiteside, and they married on September 24, 1953 in Lovington, NM. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage before Robert passed away on August 20, 2016. They made their home in Sipe Springs and were involved in the farming/ranching business as well as the oil/gas business all of their lives. They maintained the family ranch, which was established in the 1860s, and raised their children there. A son, Jeffrey Joe, was born in 1955, followed by a daughter, Pamela Sue, in 1957. She was a very active part of their lives, and helped them in their endeavors, which mainly involved raising and preparing steers for stock shows. Always lending a hand, she helped her children with their calves, and travelled with them to stock shows all across the state, at all levels. Dorothy worked for DeLeon ISD, where she retired after many years in 1986, but continued substitute teaching for several more years. In 1981 she received her favorite name, Grandmother, with the birth of her first grandchild, Jack. She was a loving Grandmother to her grandsons, and always brought them up in her daily conversations. She enjoyed many activities with her grandchildren, which included many trips, going to school activities, card and board games, as well as just driving around and spending time together. She was a role model for her family, and was an example of love, devotion to family, selflessness, and character. She always had a great sense of humor, and always kept others laughing. While her presence will be missed, we take comfort knowing she is whole again, and reunited with her husband, who she has missed immeasurably.
Dorothy was a member of the Ruidoso Jockey Club in Ruidoso, NM. She loved spending summers with family and friends and shared many memories with those who traveled with them. Dorothy also loved playing golf with many of her friends, until she was no longer able to play. Dorothy was very active in organizations during her lifetime. She was very active in the Saturday Club in Rising Star where she served in various capacities. She was also active in the Rising Star Exes. Association, where she served many terms. Dorothy was a member of the Rising Star Church of Christ.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Jeffrey Joe Whiteside and wife, Sherry of Sipe Springs, TX; daughter, Pam Collins and husband, Tim of Cypress, TX; Grandsons, Jack Whiteside and Kristen Miller of Midland, TX; James Davis and wife, Casey of Frisco, TX; John Robert Whiteside of Abilene, TX; great-grandsons Wyatt and Gabe Davis of Frisco, TX; and her grand-dog, Sadie Mae Whiteside. She is also survived by her sister, Charlene Rider of Cisco, TX; brothers, Raleigh Long, and wife Vicky of Springtown, TX; Rex Long, and wife Trudi of Rising Star, TX; Tony Long of Rising Star, TX. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raleigh and Lorene Long; husband, Joe Robert Whiteside; and brother, Max Long.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the Comanche Funeral Home chapel with John Whiteside and Keith Woodley conducting the service. Marvin McKeehan will conduct the singing.
Family will have a time of visitation from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Sipe Springs Cemetery.
Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Sipe Springs Cemetery Association (P.O. Box 634 Rising Star, TX 76471) or the Rising Star Church of Christ (P.O. Box 207 Rising Star, TX 76471)
The family wishes to thank Dr. Guyle Donham, Dr. Sara Eaker, and staff at the Comanche County Medical Center for their care of Dorothy throughout the years, as well as LeeAnn Shipps with Stephen’s Home Health. The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to her caregivers Nicole and Amy for their care and love for Dorothy. Condolences may be offered on line at www.comanchefh.com.
