Funeral services for Dorothy Helen Wordlaw, 64, will be held on Saturday, September 20, at Believer’s Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Emory.
Mrs. Wordlaw died on September 9, 2025. She was born on November 25, 1960, in Caddo Mills, to TW Miles and Jannie Mae Hunter.
She was a graduate of Rains High School, Class of 1978, and was an active participant in school activities as a member of the Rainettes. She furthered her education at Tyler Junior College, where she majored in administration and business. Her professional journey included a series of impactful roles; she was the first African-American secretary at the Rains County Courthouse. Her commitment to public service was evident through her dedication as a Democratic worker for more than seven years. She served as a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Rains County. She was a special education youth driver in Van Zandt County. She also worked at Crown of Life Daycare in Rowlett.
She was an integral member of the Women’s Service Club in Emory, where she acted as secretary. She was a member of Independent Missionary Baptist Church.
Mrs. Wordlaw is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Rev. Frank Wordlaw; daughter, Dichondria Kelly (Tommy); father, TW Miles (Paulette); mother, Jannie Mae Stephens; step-dad, Roy Stephens; and bonus-dad, Clearnest Lewis; sisters, Sandra Ivery, Connie Lewis, LaShyon Anderson (Terry), LeNetta Richarson (Terence), Lovana Tatum, and Annette Hunt; brothers, Anthony W. Lewis, Welton Lewis, James P. Stephens, and Royce W. Stephens Jr.; bonus brother, Victor Hunter; grandchildren, Kaylee Kelly and Tommy (Tre) Kelly III; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home.