Dorothy Jean Anderson

Dorothy Jean Bridgewater Anderson passed away peacefully July 2, 2024, in Waco, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, in the Chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral home, and interment will follow at Waco Memorial Park in Robinson, Texas. There will be a visitation in the Chapel prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.

Dorothy Jean was born September 30, 1932, in Marlin to Chesley P. Bridgewater, Sr. and Margie Power Bridgewater. Growing up in Marlin, she played clarinet in the school band, loved to roller skate with her friends and was active in teen bible study while attending First Methodist Church. Dorothy Jean graduated from Marlin High School in 1951 and moved to Dallas where she worked as an operator for Southwestern Bell. In Dallas, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Sammy G. Anderson, who also happened to work for Southwestern Bell.

Sammy and Dorothy Jean married June 4, 1954, and settled in Waco. As a homemaker and mother, she was an excellent cook, always serving homemade meals to everyone who entered her home. She made sure her three children attended Sunday school and church and encouraged their involvement in extracurricular activities. She volunteered at school and was active in PTA, and was always the mom who drove kids on field trips, to ball games and chaperoned slumber parties. Dorothy Jean became known as "Mama Jean" to many.

Living through the Great Depression and World War II left a lasting impression on Dorothy Jean. She was very patriotic, and she loved to share family history stories with her family. Dorothy Jean strongly believed that we were supposed to help others. She served many by helping and checking on those who were sick or in need by calling or visiting. She would send food, flowers, and cards. She and Sammy could always be counted on by the family to be there for special family events or needs. Her home was welcoming to all. Dorothy Jean was a member of Central United Methodist Church. For many years, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels. After Sammy retired, they loved to travel, and “see this great country”.

Dorothy Jean was practical, plain-spoken, kind, and caring. She was always very thankful to all who helped her. She was greatly loved.

Dorothy Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Chesley P. Bridgewater, Sr. and Margie Power Bridgewater; her husband, Sammy; brother and sister-in-law, Chesley Jr. and Mary Jo Bridgewater; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dixie and Storey Lee Butcher; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Jo Anderson.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Brenda and Bert McDaniel, Susan and Michael Koehler, Scott and Becky Anderson; and her sister, Linda Keener. Dorothy Jean is also survived by her three grandchildren: Chelsea Gonzales, John Koehler and wife Monica, and Samantha Koehler; her three great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Dorothy Jean’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com