Deloria J Stovall

"She cooked, and she cleaned."That's how Dody Stovall said her obituary should read. All she wanted to be in life, she said, was a wife and mother. She wanted a stable, secure home where she could raise children and be a helpmate to her husband. Dody lived the life she wanted. She was married in McAlester, Oklahoma to her high school sweetheart, Joe Mell Stovall, for 57 years. She reared three children, Cathy, Scott (wife Melinda) and Spencer (wife Debbie) and had seven grandchildren, Isaac and Carly Elzner, Krystle Logan, Fallon, Spencer, Reid and Hayley Stovall. Besides homemaking with joy and skill, Dody did something else even better. She loved. She loved family, and she loved friends and strangers. Her smile, laugh and arms welcomed people wherever she was. Born in Gilmer, Texas in 1932, she moved frequently as a child. For her adult life, however, she chose to stay more rooted, living most of her years in Mesquite, Garland and Hideaway, Texas Ovarian cancer introduced itself to her 19 years ago when she was diagnosed with it. Off and on through the years, she battled the disease with dignity, strength and grace. Her cancer lead her on a path of comforting and encouraging others with cancer and disease. Beginning her second chemotherapy treatment, her doctor, Dr.Allen Stringer, asked her to talk to one of his patients. From then on the flame burned to love and support others with disease. She regularly visited many of his patients and formed friendships with ovarian cancer patients statewide and nationwide, even holding retreats in her home. With other members of her support group at Baylor Hospital, she authored a book called, TORCH, Tales of Remarkable Courage and Hope. Many would agree Dody was remarkable, one of a kind. ?There will only be one Dody, ? is a phrase often heard from friends. Her family and friends will miss her beauty, sense of humor and loving ways. She will leave behind a trail of people inspired by her. We are comforted that she is spending eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. Besides her husband, children and grandchildren, she leaves behind her sisters Jan Menkel (husband Ken) and Brook Davis (husband Sam) in addition to nine nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. A Family and Friends night will be Wed., July 8, 6-8 p.m.at Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home, Lindale, Tx. A service will be held Thurs., July 9, 2009, 2 p.m. at the Hideaway Community Church in Hideaway, Tx and a graveside service, Fri., July 10, 10 a.m., Harpersville Cemetery. Pall bearers are Bill Theroit, Wes Shamp, Bob Shearer, Herb Havens, Richard Beene, and Sam Davis. Those who wish can donate in Dody?s name to the following charities: Gideon International Bibles, Hospice of East Texas, Baylor Health Care Foundation for the Shelley McClure Ovarian Cancer Fund or twirligirli where a gown will be given to a girl in need in Dody?s name at twirligirli, P.O. Box 302, Galveston, TX 77553.

Deloria J Stovall

February 17, 1932 - July 6, 2009