Dorothy Lea Monk Atchetee, lovingly known as Mama, Nannie, Aunt Dots to her family, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Missouri City, Texas, at the age of 92. Born on January 21, 1933, in Fullerton, Louisiana. She moved to El Campo, Texas in 1951 when she married Harlo Atchetee. She raised her family at their Sandy Corner home until she was moved into the nursing home. She lived a life defined by compassion, service, and unwavering love for her family and faith.
Dorothy was a devoted mother of three and a lifelong caregiver who worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for many years. She served countless patients with gentleness and skill at Nightengale Hospital, El Campo Memorial Hospital, Wharton Hospital, and later retired from Hillje Nursing Home. Nursing was not just her profession—it was her calling.
A faithful member of First Lutheran Church in El Campo, Texas, Dorothy was deeply involved in the church community. She taught Sunday School and Bible School and was an active member of the Altar Guild. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life.
Though she found joy in caring for others and serving the Lord, Dorothy’s greatest love was her family and friends. She often said she didn’t want gifts—only their company. Her warm presence, generous spirit, and deep affection for those around her will be dearly missed.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter-in-law, Alice Atchetee; grandchildren Carrie Janssen and husband Aaron Janssen; Diana Atchetee; daughter Sheila Herrington and son-in-law James Herrington; grandchildren Sarah Barosh and husband Joshua Barosh; Jake Herrington and wife Haley Daniels; daughter Laura Cunningham and granddaughter Candace Cunningham. Great Grandchildren were Emma Barosh, Katie Janssen and Wyatt Herrington.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dixon Harlo Atchetee; her parents, Minnie McLeod Monk and Dixon Monk; and her five siblings—Flaudie Mae Nixon, Gaynell Smith, Sherman Monk, Floyd G. Monk, and Steven “SA” Monk.
In her later years, Dorothy found peace tending to her flower beds and watching birds and squirrels from her window—simple joys that reflected her gentle heart.
The funeral service took place at First Lutheran Church in El Campo on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery in LaCamp, Louisiana, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial donations in memory of Dorothy may be sent to First Lutheran Church at 303 Oscar Street, El Campo, TX 77437.