Virginia Claxton Dortch

While on an Alaskan Cruise with her family and following a massive stroke, on September 14, 2023, Virginia Claxton Dortch, age 94, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by her immediate family. Virginia was born on October 2, 1928, in the Gum Springs Community, five miles from Longview, to Thomas Jefferson Hunt and Clara Watson Hunt. She was blessed by four brothers and four sisters. Loved ones preceding her in death were her loving husband of 41 years, Clyde Claxton, and her loving husband of 34 years, Dr. Richard Dortch; her parents and sisters: Thelma Brown (Frank), Dorothy Burgin (Bill), Erma Bowles (Dennis), Beatrice Piccione (Louis), four brothers: Edward Malnar, Billy Ray Hunt, Ross Hunt (Dorothy), and Jamies Hunt (Martha). She is survived by her daughter, Patricia and husband Jules Savony, her granddaughter Ginger Savony Malone, and her great-granddaughters Emily and Madelyn Malone, whom she loved dearly as GiGi, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was also blessed with her Dortch family daughters and son, Vicki and Jim Jones, Seleta and Delwin Lovell, Rick and Suzan Dortch; her Dortch family grandchildren, Jason Cummins and wife Alana, Jonathan Dortch, Amanda Kimberlin and husband Kevin, Crystal Tipton and husband Kelly, Cassity Jones and wife Lexie, and Lacy Hamilton and husband Chad; and her eight Dortch family great-grandchildren who brought her much joy, Hattie, Jones, and Hazel Tipton, Sher and Holly Jones, Elijah, Zeke, and Ellie Hamilton. Virgnia was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Longview, where she taught Sunday School for many years, and served on several church committees, including hospitality. She and Richard enjoyed being members of Harold Palmer’s Sunday School department and class for many years. She was also a member of Town and Country Garden Club and the Darce Bible Club for more than 40 years. Virginia was a brilliant and very successful businesswoman. She started her own Mary Kay Cosmetics business in 1962 and was a close friend of Mary Kay Ash! She was a Director in Mary Kay for nearly 50 years, drove a pink Cadillac for 30 years, and was honored on stage as Top 5 in Mary Kay Seminars for 55 years. Graveside services for family and friends to celebrate the life of VIRGINIA CLAXTON DORTCH, will be held September 22, 2023 at 2pm Memory Park Cemetery, Longview, with Tim Watson officiating. Following the graveside service, family and friends will gather for support and encouragement in the home of Vicki and Jim Jones. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Buckner Children and Family Services, 1014 S. High Street, Longview, Tx. 756002

Virginia Claxton Dortch

October 2, 1928 - September 14, 2023