Dorothy Joe Laurence (Dot), 91 years old, of Abilene, Texas, peacefully passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on June 22, 2026.

Dot was a lifelong resident of Abilene, Texas. She was born at the West Texas Baptist Sanitarium (now Hendrick Medical Center) to Dorothy Elise Pride and Joe Denton Pride on January 7, 1935. She attended Travis Elementary, South Junior High, and graduated from Abilene High School. While at Abilene High, she met the love of her life, Charlie Melvin Laurence (C.M.), whom she married on January 6, 1952. Together they built a life centered on faith and family, raising four children, while Dot enjoyed a 30-year long career as a beloved elementary school librarian for Abilene ISD. Dot was a devoted Christian and member of the Abilene First Christian Church, where she was involved in the Christian Women’s Fellowship, taught Sunday school, and played in a dartball league. She had a beautiful alto voice and proudly sang many hymns from memory during services. Dot, affectionately known as “Memaw” by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed watching sports, especially her children’s and grandchildren's baseball games. Dot and C.M. were loyal Astros fans, making sure to watch every game. She was also a wonderful cook, and often welcomed visitors with a fresh batch of cookies or brownies. Many holiday meals were shared around her table. There was always a half gallon (or three) of Blue Bell ice cream in her freezer, which she happily shared with family and friends. Dot was a skilled seamstress, crafting outfits for her loved ones. She enjoyed growing irises and roses in her garden. Above all, Dot was a kind, gentle, loving, and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was the definition of unconditional love.

Dot is preceded in death by her husband: C.M., her parents, her sister: Carol (Mike) McKinney; a daughter-in-law: Judy Laurence; and a brother-in-law: Lloyd Ivy.

Dot is survived by two daughters: Carolyn (Bill) Webb and Cheralyn Bell; two sons: Bill Laurence and David (Beth) Laurence; her sister: Judy Ivy; 10 grandchildren: Coty, Justin, and Jim Bell; Whitney Hightower; Austin and Hunter Laurence; Betsy Gragg; Will Laurence; Jennigale Bubela; and Billy Webb; and 16 great-grandchildren, as well as other loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family extends our sincere thanks to the staff of Kinder Hearts Hospice, especially Leslie, Kim, and Christian for their care and compassion during Dot’s final days.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26 at First Christian Church of Abilene, with Reverend Greg Morris of First Christian Church of Abilene officiating. Burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Pallbearers will be Austin and Hunter Laurence, Coty and Jim Bell, Billy Webb, and Will Laurence. Honorary Pallbearers will be Justin Bell, Colton Gragg, Cody Hightower, and Kyle Bubela.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels or First Christian Church of Abilene.