Dorothy Stafford, 91, of Van Vleck went to be with her Lord on Thursday, July 2, 2015 surrounded by family. She was born May 13, 1924 in Matagorda County to the late Bouldin Doc & Mildred Bickham O'Connell. Dorothy was a lifelong Methodist, and a charter member of Van Vleck United Methodist Church. She met her husband, Harry Stafford, in Palacios at the USO Dance Hall where she loved to jitterbug. They were married on March 25, 1943. Harry was a career military service member. They were stationed at numerous military bases throughout the United States and overseas.

After retirement from the military, Dorothy & Harry lived in Longwood, FL. She was an avid bowler, a member of numerous leagues. All of her family members enjoyed visiting them wherever they lived knowing they would always enjoy a wonderful home cooked meal, especially her spaghetti. Dorothy always planned on returning to Van Vleck, and upon Harry's 2nd retirement, from teaching, they finally moved back to Van Vleck in 1987

Dorothy is survived by her 2 sons: Edward Stafford & wife Karen of Van Vleck and Richard Stafford & wife Madalena of Houston; 2 daughters-in-law: Cheri Stafford of Perry, GA and Carol Stafford of Orlando, FL; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer Burkhalter & husband Rob, Andy Stafford & wife Laura, Tim Stafford & wife Kathy, Melissa Jurek & husband Jason, and Catherine Tetrault & husband Nick; 4 great grandchildren: Lane Stafford, H. A. Stafford V, Sophia Stafford, and Abigail Jurek; sister: Nancy Bridgwater; sister-in-law: Jo Ann O'Connell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members. She was preceded in death by her husband: Harry Stafford; 2 sons: Harry A. Stafford III and John Stafford; granddaughter: Becky Stafford; 2 brothers: Burt & Ray O'Connell.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, July 6, 2015 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at the Van Vleck First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Mike O'Connell, Bill Brown, Pat O'Connell, Tommy Bridgwater, Terry Bridgwater, and David Bridgwater.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Van Vleck First United Methodist Church or Houston Hospice of El Campo.