Dorothy “Dot” Dutton, 97, formerly of Beaumont, joined her beloved husband, Matt in the fields of God's grace early Saturday, January 5, 2013. She was born in Dallas, on May 16, 1915, to Clara Belle Long Kelly and Walter “Buttermilk” Emmett Kelly.
She grew up in Beaumont, and joined the Presbyterian Church at age three. That was so long ago that it was at a tent revival conducted by a minister who came to town on horseback. Dot loved to tell that story! Her father, “Buttermilk” was Mayor of what was called Irish Village and was active in local Beaumont civic activities.
Dot was a cheerleader at Beaumont High School, where she met her husband at a football game. She was “Maid of Cotton” her senior year, that was back when Texas A&M University was an all boy's school, and high school girls were invited for an annual dance similar to a homecoming. She married Matt right out of high school and they were married for seventy-four years ... and they say that teen marriages do not last!
Dot loved golf, dogs, children, and Beaumont. She lived a rich full life.
Survivors include her daughter, Charlotte Fuller and her husband, Earl; granddaughter, Marty Westbeld; nieces, Peggy Ackin and Pat Seymour; and many beloved friends and relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Matt Dutton; parents; and brother, Emmett Kelly.
A memorial service for Mrs. Dutton will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 11, 2013, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow her service, in the Parlor at St. Andrews.
A private family committal will be at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Foundation, 1350 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
