Dorothy Helen Prigmore Carter, age 94, went to be with Jesus on Monday, September 18th, 2023, at her home in Krum, Texas, with family by her side. She had told the Lord that she was ready - after having spent time with her grandchildren and great-grandson, and sharing her last smiles especially for them.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Carter Watkins, and husband, Rick, of Krum; grandchildren Kacie Watkins Pasieka, and husband, Andrew, of Denton, and Cody Watkins, and wife, Jasmine, and great-grandson, August Watkins, of Lewisville. She is also survived by her younger sisters, Wanda Faye Green of Australia, Margaret Ann Morries of Burleson, Linda Carol Beard of San Antonio, and her sister-in-law, June Prigmore of Everman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom she treasured, and other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Carter, her parents, and her younger siblings - sisters, Laura Jean Pope and Mary Alice Snyder, and brother, Robert Earl Prigmore.

Dorothy was born in Dallas, Texas, on August 29th, 1929, the daughter of Rolla Sears and Willie Lorena Edwards Prigmore. She grew up in Fort Worth during the Great Depression and World War II, and graduated from Paschal High School in 1947.

After graduation, she went to work for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and when her father died in 1952, she and her brother helped their mother raise five younger sisters.

In 1954, Dorothy met Wilbur Carter, a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. They married on June 30th, 1955, in Jacksonville, Florida, and served at several Florida churches including Mayo Baptist Church in Mayo, Florida. It was there that they met their cherished lifelong friends, Bill and Jackie Hart, and began their family with the addition of Carol Ann in 1958.

In the early 1960's, they moved back to Texas, and while Wilbur furthered his Seminary education, they served at Rainbow Baptist Church in Rainbow, Texas. Dorothy always said that she wanted her final resting place to be in Rainbow, and recently added, "I was happy there."   When they moved on from Rainbow, their parting gift from the church was a beautiful painting of bluebonnets, which has since hung in every home in which she lived.

In 1973, Dorothy received a degree in education from Texas Woman's University, where she was on the Dean's List. She taught in the Denton, Keller, and Birdville Independent School Districts, working with students who had learning disabilities. Following her retirement, she cared for Wilbur until his death in April, 2005, two months short of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Dorothy's life was full.  In her early 20's, she participated in several beauty pageants, including the 1952 Miss Fort Worth competition, and won several awards. She liked music, had a beautiful voice, and loved to dance. She enjoyed traveling, taking road trips with girlfriends and cousins, vacations with her sisters, two visits to Australia, and numerous trips to and from Florida. A favorite destination was the beach.

Dorothy was the oldest of seven siblings. She loved family and through the years, many memories were made at family gatherings, often at her home. She was a proud Baylor Mom, loved her son-in-law like a son, and adored her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching movies and sports, and her talents included singing, cooking and baking, gardening, and sewing. She smocked Carol's baby dresses, made her Easter outfits, and later combined elements from different patterns to design and make custom dresses for her high school dances and other special occasions. She also liked to crochet and created beautiful quilts.

From an early age and all through her life, Dorothy took care of others - having an uncanny ability to sense a need, lend an ear, extend generosity and share whatever she could. While she didn't always have a lot, she did a lot with what she had. She always wanted to be sure that her loved ones' needs were met. She made friends wherever she went and was known for the encouraging text messages that she usually sent each day.

One of her favorite movies was The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and like the main character, Dorothy was a survivor. When hurdles came her way, she did not give up - she looked for reasons to be optimistic and remain strong, even when things didn't seem to make sense. She found strength in Proverbs 3:5-6… "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Dorothy will be remembered for her spirited nature and generous heart, a deep devotion to family and friends, and her strength and unwavering faith. Among her last words were, "Take my hand, Lord!" and "I see people I know!"

What comfort those words now bring.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Dorothy's life on Sunday, November 5th, 2023, at 2:00 PM. The service will be held at Rainbow Baptist Church in Rainbow, Texas. Her final resting place will be Squaw Creek Cemetery in Rainbow.

Rainbow Baptist Church

1571 FM 200, Rainbow, TX 76077

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation

The family would like to thank those who supported Dorothy during her fight against kidney disease.

Dr. Ira Epstein

Davita Renal Center Nurses and Staff

Fort Worth, Texas

TRIO Home Health and Hospice

Denton, Texas

Living Well Home Health

Denton, Texas

And a very special thanks to Dr. George Rojas and the nurses and staff of Fresenius Kidney Care in Denton, Texas, who provided not only compassionate medical care, but also friendship, love and support.