Dolores “Pat” Widman Fowler-Shepherd, 93, a well-known and beloved native of Beaumont, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. She was born on October 23, 1917, to Henry Alexander and Irene Hess Widman.
Dolores, her sister, Miriam Widman Rowley, along with their mother Irene, founded the Widman School of Dance. During the fifty-five year tenure of the School, "Miss Dolores" and "Miss Miriam" taught hundreds of girls and boys in the Beaumont area the art of dance and poise. Many of these students went on to become professional dancers and teachers. She attended Louisiana State University and studied dance in New York City. Dolores was chosen to participate in an early Miss America pageant in the 1930’s, winning the title of “Miss Talent & Congeniality.” An excellent duplicate bridge player, a Life Master, and a member of the Beaumont Duplicate Bridge Studio for many years, she was loved by her Beaumont Country Club Bridge Club. She was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Dolores was a wonderful friend to many, and will be missed and remembered by all of them.
Survivors include her only daughter, Kay Fowler, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and her husband, Smythe Shepherd of Beaumont.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Afton Walker (Pete) Fowler who died in 1988; sister, Miriam Widman Rowley; and brother-in-law, Ras Rowley.
Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 8, 2011, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of her family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Broussard’s.
Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
