Dorothy Busby Smith, 78, of Silsbee died on Monday, April 30, 2007 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born March 12, 1929 to John L. and Dorothy Estelle Busby in Silsbee, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of Silsbee and graduated from Silsbee High School in 1945 where she was a drum major. She continued her education obtaining her beauty license from Houston College of Beauty Culture in 1946, an Associate’s Degree in Art from Lamar in 1949, a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston University in 1950, and her Master’s degree in education from the University of Houston in 1955. She was awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas from Governor Dolph Briscoe in 1937. She taught in Silsbee for 37 years and touched the hearts of many in her classroom. After retiring from Silsbee Independent School District, she worked at Busby’s Garage inspecting cars, side by side with her father, who was the founder of the Silsbee Fire Department and also instrumental in the establishment of surrounding fire departments. She will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother and father John and Estelle Busby, her daughter Kaye Summers, and her sister Mary Jo Walters. She is survived by her daughter Laura Daigle and husband James Segura of Beaumont; granddaughter, Lacey Estelle Earle and husband David of Beaumont; and great-grandson, Rhys Aric Earle.
Graveside service for Dorothy will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 3, 2007 at Resthaven Cemetery in Silsbee with Reverend Don Joseph officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, May 2, 2007 from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas.
