Dorothy Dix Denby Parfait, of Beaumont, Texas, died peacefully after a very brief
illness on May 23, 2006, at the age of 82 years. She was born March 31, 1924,
to MaryBelle and Arch Denby, and grew up with five siblings, Audrey Denby,
Alice Carrington, Doris Waldhelm, Janice Bruce, and Pat Denby. She spent her early years in various East Texas towns, including Harrisburg, Wiergate, Bessmay, and Vidor, but settled and lived the last fifty plus years in Beaumont, Texas.
She was the mother of ten children and served as surrogate mother to many
more. Despite very hard times, she always managed to do extra sewing or
whatever she could to provide well for her children. She was an avid doll
collector, amateur genealogist, and served many years as a volunteer for
BirthRight and The Treasure House. Without going into detail, it is sufficient to
say that she was the cornerstone of her family, a true friend, a sounding board,
and source of common sense direction and inspiration for her family and friends.
For her children and grandchildren, she provided a path when they lost their
way. The loss to her family and friends is immeasurable.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack J. Parfait. Her survivors
include her ten children, Vicki Parfait, Jackie Pattison and husband, Wayne,
Lloyd Parfait, Mary Johnson and husband, Jody, Jeannie Wetzel, Patty Parfait-
Randall and husband, Tom, Joe Parfait and wife, Judy Monic, Doris Parfait
Bland and husband, Mike, Sherry Parfait Gates and husband, Rusty, Bill Parfait
and wife, Mary; thirty-one grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Carrington and Doris Waldhelm, numerous nieces and nephews. Extended
family including,Gertrude Hale, James Martin Hilliard, Betty Jane Hilliard, the
Hales and the Hilliards of Jasper/Harrisburg area; beloved in-laws and family,
James and Bertha Parfait, Velma and Dick Busby and Hal Parfait; and near-
family, Mary Beth Behannon, Lydia Kelly, Chris and Kelly Brian and kids; long-
time physician, Federico Valderrama, MD; Johnny Wetzel, Debbie Johnson,
Debbie Johnson Morgan, Carl Stucker, Bob Trost, Jim Bradford and countless
others too numerous to mention.
Graveside services will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 26, 2006 at Weeks’ Chapel in Harrisburg. Texas, under the officiation of Reverend Betty Edwards. Due to the location of the service, please feel free to wear casual attire. Cremation arrangements are held under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weeks’ Chapel Cemetery Fund, Route 1, Box544, Jasper, Texas, 75951.
