Dorothy Murphey Kendrick

Dorothy Jane Murphey Kendrick, 97, of Waco, passed away on July 6, 2021 in Waco, Texas. A family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery on July 10 at 10 am, with Pastor Wayne Williams of Renew Church of Waco officiating. Dorothy was born in Waco to Dr. Paul Chesley Murphey and Cora Tilley Murphey on May 27, 1924. Dorothy attended Camp Waldemar in Hunt, where she enjoyed archery and fencing. She was a graduate of Waco High School and went on to study at Ward-Belmont Conservatory and School of Art in Nashville, Tennessee. Afterward, she attended Baylor University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Teaching in 1944. She worked as an art teacher at West Junior High School prior to meeting her future husband on a blind date set up by a family friend, Spencer Brown. Dorothy married Joe Wilson Kendrick on June 23, 1945. She welcomed her first child, Joe Wilson Kendrick, Jr., in November, 1946, and later welcomed Chesley Coleman Kendrick in 1950 and Carolyn Murphey Kendrick in 1953. Dorothy was involved in the Junior League of Waco, Garden Club of Waco, Cotton Palace of Waco, and the American Red Cross. She and Joe were founding members of Lakewood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Dorothy served as the first president for the Women’s Ministry Group. She prepared the sanctuary flower arrangements personally each Sunday, often including magnolias to represent the many beautiful trees on the property. Dorothy had a lifelong love of bridge, teaching at the Art Center of Waco, and painting with her art friends. She played golf a Ridgewood Country Club and sailed with her husband and family on Lake Waco. She was also an avid traveler, often visiting Mexico during the summer. She later developed a fondness for France where she made many trips. Dorothy and Joe also traveled to Asia, Australia, Canada, and many parts of Europe. She went on to hold French and art summer camps at her private studio so that her grandchildren and neighborhood kids could be exposed to the culture, food, and painting. Dorothy’s primary love in life included planning holidays and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She will always be remembered for her positive outlook, her happy spirit, and her lucky streak. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Wilson Kendrick; her brother, Paul C. Murphey, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Sue Brooks Murphey. She is survived by her children, Joe, Jr., and Lynnan Kendrick, of Waco, Chesley and Jeanne Kendrick, of Houston, and Carolyn Kendrick of Dallas. She also leaves a long legacy with her grandchildren: Joseph Wilson Kendrick, William Chesley Kendrick, Laura Leas Walker, Matthew Locke Kendrick, M.D., Coleman Johan Kendrick, and Claire Jean Kendrick. She also leaves behind greatgrandchildren, Emma Jane Kendrick, Hoagland Wilson Kendrick, Evan Lampl Walker, Vera Kendrick Walker, Stella Blythe Kendrick, and Maclaren Locke Kendrick, and a beloved niece, Elizabeth Murphey Milam and her children, Mary Beth Milam and Brooks Milam. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Renew Church Waco, 6509 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Irma and Pepe Moncada as well as Lakeridge Healthy Living for the support in her final days. The family invites you to share a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.