Dorothy Jean Thornton Keasler's Obituary
Dorothy Jean Thornton Keasler of Hallsville, Texas, peacefully entered the gates of heaven and was in the presence of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 23, 2025.
Welcomed by her parents, Robert and Addie Thornton, Dorothy was born November 3, 1928. She attended Indian Rock High School in Glenwood, Texas, and then went on to graduate from East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas, where she majored in education. She met her one and only love, Sydney J. Keasler II, and they married on November 19, 1944, sharing 63 wonderful years together and raising three children.
Dorothy's faith was the foundation of her life, and it was evident in everything she did. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Hallsville for most of her life. She taught Sunday school and traveled for many years to cities in Texas and Louisiana sharing her personal testimony at organizations, youth camps, and banquets. She was also the Chairman of Christian Women's Club in Longview, Texas. Along with her husband, Sydney, she served as council member and was part of the Chancellor Club at Letourneau College.
Mrs. Keasler was loved by many students at Hallsville ISD where she taught English in junior high. Even with such a busy life, Dorothy loved to travel, visiting many U.S. states, Cuba, the Holy Lands, and cruising to Hawaii and Alaska. Whether she was teaching in the classroom or traveling, she shared her infectious laughter, faith, and witty sense of humor with everyone around her. Her warmth and affection created a home full of love and unforgettable memories. Her legacy will forever be remembered and cherished by her family, students, and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Sydney J. Keasler; her parents, Robert and Addie Thornton; one brother, Wayne Thornton; her son-in-law, Tom Wheatley; and granddaughters, Michelle Wheatley and Tiffany Dillard.
She is survived by her three children, Judy Wheatley of Houston, Karen Adams (Bob) of Hallsville, and Syd Keasler (Kathy) of Richardson, and her sister Merle Cross of Gilmer. Affectionately called Mama Key by her grandchildren, they are: Tommy Wheatley, Dennis Dillard, Kimberly Adams, Kyle Adams, Misty Keasler, and David Keasler (Sarah). She deeply cherished her twelve great-grandchildren: Madeline and Molly Moore; Anna and Isaac Adams; Colin and Cameron Dillard; Sydney, Scarlett, and Jasper Gibb; and Theo, Norah, and Zoe Keasler.
The family is indebted and grateful to Arabella of Longview and Hospice Plus for the loving care provided to Mrs. Keasler during the later days of her life.
A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM at Rader Funeral Home of Longview followed by a funeral service beginning at 10:00 AM.
The family kindly requests that donations be made in Dorothy Keasler's name to the building program at First Baptist Hallsville, PO Box 359, Hallsville, TX.
II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith; from now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness..."
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