Bonham, Texas -- Dorothy Vernelle Whitehead, 96, of Ector, Texas, peacefully departed this life on May 28, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Born on February 19, 1930, Dorothy was a woman of creativity, faith and devotion to her family. She was a life-long member of the Ector Church of Christ.

On October 11, 1947, she married the love of her life, Charles Whitehead. They shared 52 years together until his passing in July of 2000.

Dorothy found joy in traveling to many new places with her good friend Tina. She also enjoyed oil painting, and writing short stories. She spent much of her later years tracking and documenting her family genealogy, with countless hours of research as she carefully preserved her family's history through scrapbooks and cherished keepsakes. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles.

Dorothy also loved listening to gospel and country music. She possessed a gift for storytelling and delighted family and friends with a lifetime of memories. Family holidays were especially dear to Dorothy. She had a unique way of bringing people together. Her loving spirit and welcoming nature touched the lives of all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Sally Gray; beloved husband, Charles Whitehead; sister, Margie Staton; brother-in-law, Donnie Staton; and daughter in law, Donna Whitehead.

Dorothy is survived by her brother Leon Gray and wife Nancy; son, Larry Whitehead; daughter, Deborah Dinwoodie; son, Johnny Whitehead and wife Elizabeth; son, Mark Whitehead and wife Debbie; 7 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Carson Cemetery.

To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com