Dorthy Axline Parker

Dorthy Nell Axline-Parker, lovingly known as “Mother Dot,” passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by her family.

She was born on August 7, 1935, on the family farm in Plaska, Hall County, Texas, to Marvin Carter and Ruby Dell Thomas aka Southard-Vallance. As the eldest of six children, Dorthy helped shape a close-knit family rooted in faith and resilience. The family later moved to her great-great-grandmother Mary Jane Power’s farm near Fort Worth,Texas. 

On April 5, 1955, Dorthy married Charles Elmer Axline, Sr. of Fort Worth, Texas. They shared 48 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, raising their children, Charles Elmer and Wanda Jo. In 1968, they settled in Wylie, Texas, where Dorthy cherished her home and especially her beloved two-acre garden overlooking Lake Lavon. Later in life, she married Hal Parker of Murphy, Texas. 

Dorthy was a trailblazer in her career, becoming one of only five women engineers employed by Texas Instruments. She later worked as a cost accountant for Lennox International. Determined and driven, she returned to college in her 50s and ultimately retired at the age of 74.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Dorthy was a member of First Baptist Church of Wylie, the Red Hat Society, the Wylie Opry, the Wylie Senior Center, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She lived life fully—enjoying church cruises, dancing at the senior center, gardening, shopping, and spending time visiting with family and friends.

 Above all, Dorthy treasured her family. Time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy, and her love leaves a lasting legacy in all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Charles Elmer Axline and Suzy Axline, and Wanda Jo Axline-Bledsaw, all of Princeton; her sisters, Jo Upchurch, Sandy Vallance, and Carol Axline; her grandchildren, Amanda and Matt Sebek, Brook and Travis Marine, Franky and Amber Axline, and Beri and Carl Clark; 13 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Carter and Ruby Dell Vallance; her husbands, Charles Elmer Axline, Sr. and Hal Parker; her siblings, Dan and Beverly Vallance, John Henry Vallance, MC, Wanda Rose Vallance-Holden, and Pauline Vallance-Bevers; her son-in-law, Rodney Lynn Bledsaw; her great-granddaughter, Katelynn Clark; her nephew, Bobby Pool; and her special friends, Pauline Akin and Fayne Drain. 

Funeral Services: A funeral luncheon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Highland Church of Christ, 1201Sycamore School Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76134.

A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery (aka Tye Cemetery) Address: 13199 Oak Grove Rd S, Burleson, TX 76028 

Attendees are asked to enter through the second gate, located in the center of the cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery in honor of Mother Dot. The family would like to extend special thanks to Star City Hospice of Richardson, Golden Grace of McKinney, Chaplain Victor and his team, and Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Homes for their compassionate care and support.

Dorthy lived a life defined by strength, love, and unwavering devotion to her family and those around her. She will be deeply missed, yet her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Until we are together again, we hold you close and love you always.