Dorris W. Atkins Wieting

WIETING, DORRIS ATKINS (1926 ~ 2009). The following is a family-placed obituary for Dorris Atkins Wieting, spouse of former State Representative Leroy James Wieting. The obituary was published in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. 

"LISTEN! Do you hear that? The heavenly choir increased by one when Dorris Atkins Wieting flew to Jesus on November 7, 2009. To those of us who remain, we feel blessed to have known her for 83 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend and her uncommon grace, love and compassion will be sorely missed by those who love her. Dorris was the first child born to Elmer and Ethel Bingham Atkins on February 9, 1926, in Choate, Texas.

The family soon moved to Runge, Texas, where in high school she found her sweetheart and in 1945, she married Leroy James Wieting. Little did Dorris know much ambition and faith Leroy had, and Leroy soon learned that behind every successful man is his wife. There is no way to compress all life's memories in to one short story, but Dorris enjoyed every minute of it. In 1958 they moved to Portland, Texas, which remained their hometown for the rest of their lives. Their home was always open for family and friends, church fellowships, countless receptions, and annual Christmas Eve parties cherished by all.

In 1962, Leroy was elected as a Texas State Representative and for the next 22 years, Leroy served in the foreground, but Dorris immersed herself in serving in the background. Afterward, Leroy served as a lobbyist until his death in 2005. So while Leroy served in the Texas House of Representatives, Dorris served as an officer in the Legislative Ladies Club, (LLC) and sponsored luncheons and trips, with the most memorable being a trip to Kingsville, where the wives boarded nine small planes, toured A&I and had lunch at the King Ranch. In 1993, the LLC published 'How to Survive as the Wife of a Texas Legislator,' by Betty Elliot Hanna. Dorris is quoted in various sections but the most memorable passage was about one of their trips to the LBJ Ranch when President Johnson toured them around and then invited them into his and Lady Bird's bed and bath rooms to freshen up. The commode was up, and President Johnson quickly put it down and said, 'Lady Bird would get all over me if that is up!'

Throughout their lives, they remained involved in every Baptist church they attended. Whether it was the First Baptist Church of Portland, the Southern Baptist Convention, or the Gideon's International, whenever Leroy held an office, Dorris was equally involved in the women's equivalent. Even during her last days when life was becoming increasingly difficult and painful, she always greeted everyone with a smile and cheerful conversation. When it was clear that she would soon be departing, it was heartwarming and inspirational to witness the many family, friends and staff people, especially her son and his family who came to tell her goodbye and thank her for enriching their lives.

Dorris is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Joyce Troy, Patsy Smith, and Sandra Lindley, and by her husband of 59 ' years, Leroy Wieting.

Dorris is survived by her brothers and their families, Jimmy (Kay) Atkins of Portland, Texas, and Carl Atkins, Jr., of San Marcos, Texas; her son, L. J. (Cathie Messer) Wieting, Jr., of Houston, Texas, and their two children Anagail Lynette and Jamison Franklin; by her daughter, Beckie (Jeff) Bright of Bastrop, Texas, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We thank everyone at the Hospice Austin, The Summit at Westlake, especially the Healthcare Unit Staff, for their dedication and compassionate care, and who have been our family since 2005, and to Dr. Sigerfoos and Seton Hospital Staff for their valiant efforts through the years. Lastly, a special 'Thank You, Mom' from her daughter, who cherished every moment of time together, for her unconditional love and friendship, and for remaining here even though her heart was longing for heaven.

Visitation will be at Limbaugh Funeral Home, Wednesday night, November 11, 2009, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A reception will be held at 3:00 pm at the Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church in Portland followed by a celebration of Doris's life to be held at 4 :00 pm at the First Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held in Austin, Texas at the Texas State Cemetery on Friday at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gideon's International, Corpus Christi, Texas, or an organization of your choice."

Further information is available through the Texas State Cemetery research department.