Janet Dorsey Obituary

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Kay Dorsey, 74, of Henderson, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born to Ken and Lorna Smith, Jan grew up with a heart for learning, teaching, and loving others. She shared 55 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Terry Dorsey, building a life together filled with faith, laughter, and devotion. Jan was the proud mother of two sons, Chris and Jay, and a daughter, Shannon, each of whom carry forward her compassion, warmth, and quiet strength. She dedicated her life to the education of children and taught First Grade in Henderson I.S.D. at Central Elementary and finished her career at Wylie Elementary. Her role as a teacher shaped countless lives, and her legacy continues in the many students she inspired over the years. She found joy in life's simple and meaningful moments-quilting, crocheting, sewing, and, most of all, spending time with her beloved family. She also loved antiques and collecting Precious Moments figurines. Jan's deep love for Jesus guided her every step, and she lived her life as a testament to grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church where she was active in the Acteens programs with Gloria Mills. Mrs. Dorsey passed away peacefully, held in the love of her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew her. Mrs. Dorsey was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Smith, and granddaughter Kaitlyn Luethold. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Terry Dorsey of Henderson; mother, Lorna Smith of McKinney; children Christopher Grady Dorsey of Henderson, Terry Jay Dorsey and wife Chrysty of Meeker, Oklahoma, and Shannon Michelle Luethold and husband Luke of Chandler; grandchildren Cori Higgins and husband Joe, Tucker Dorsey and wife Cara, Rafe Dorsey, and Ryan Dorsey; sisters Charlene Taylor and husband Herschel of McKinney, Beth Dotson and husband Mac of Silverdale, Washington, and Susan Lebanowski of Jacksonville, Florida; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. The Dorsey family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Hospice of East Texas and to caregiver Ameshia Carey for their wonderful care for Jan. A celebration of Jan's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the chapel at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home with Dr. David Higgs officiating. Interment will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time on Saturday, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tucker Dorsey, Joe Higgins, Luke Luethold, Rafe Dorsey, Chance Dorsey, and Marlin Dorsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Dorsey, Keith Dorsey, Dodd Dorsey, Daron Dorsey, Donny Griffith, David Havrda, Herschel Taylor, Blair Taylor, Robert Dotson, James Dotson, and Michael Lebanowski. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity or church of your choice, reflecting Janet's lifelong commitment to service and love. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.