Dorothy Marie Belcher

Dorothy Marie Belcher, 89, passed away on December 8, 2025, in Pantego, Texas. Born on December 19, 1935, in Cotton Center, Texas, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of Myrtle and Thomas Cannon. Her life was marked by devotion to family, faith, service, and education.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington, Texas with Dr. Dennis Wiles officiating. 

In 1960, Dorothy married the love of her life, Orville Belcher, at Cotton Center Baptist Church. Their marriage was a partnership rooted in faith and dedication until Orville’s passing. Dorothy made Arlington, Texas, her home beginning in 1959, and it was there that she built a rich and meaningful life.

Dorothy served as a teacher for the Arlington Independent School District for 34 years, shaping countless lives with her patience, kindness, and deep commitment to learning. Even after retiring from education, she continued to give back to her community by volunteering for many years with the Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC). She was also a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church – Arlington, where she found joy in fellowship, Bible studies, and service.

Dorothy enjoyed the simple, beautiful gifts of life—cooking for those she loved, visiting with family and friends, and engaging in spiritual study. Some of her favorite memories included traveling and attending family reunions, where her warmth and wit made every gathering brighter.

She often shared that her greatest life lessons came from being a mother, a wife, and a teacher—roles she embraced wholeheartedly and with grace. Among her most treasured accomplishments were her induction into the National Hall of Fame for Women’s Basketball and her time as a member of the legendary Hutcherson Flying Queens at Wayland University—experiences that remained a source of pride and joy throughout her life.

Dorothy will be remembered for her steadfast faith, compassionate heart, and the lasting legacy she leaves in the lives she touched. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her influence will continue to be felt for generations.