Dolores Ray Burdine's Obituary
Dolores’ family would like to thank you all for being here today. They are very touched by the many prayers and kind thoughts you have sent their way. Dolores Ray (Vandever) Burdine was born August 4, 1935 in Pampa, Texas and passed away September 29, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.E. (Gene) Burdine and her parents Walter M. and Ruby Ray Vandever. Dolores is survived by her daughters, Kathy Burdine, Sherry Burdine; her two brothers, Jack Vandever, Sr.; Bill Joe Vandever and his wife, Pat; her grandchildren, Brittany Burdine, Tristan Burdine; her brother-in-law, T.W. Burdine and wife, laurie; and her loving nieces and nephews. Most people who knew Dolores know she was a talented interior designer and was a self-taught architect and planner for the many projects that she and Gene dreamed of. What some may not know is that she was also an avid fisherman when she had the opportunity to fish, whether at Cedar Creek lake or on a trip with her brothers. She found it pleasurable and relaxing. Dolores described herself as a “little stinker” when she was a child, however, she grew into a beautiful young wife and mother that modeled for a fashion designer. She was a devoted partner to her husband, a loving daughter and sister. She was a thoughtful daughter in law and sister in law. She was a protector of her children and grandchildren who she loved with all her heart and soul. She was the “cool” mom on the block so all the friends wanted to come to the Burdine house. As a friend of Dolores, you found that she tapped her toes to music, was sentimental, sharing, had a quick wit, an appreciation of art and beautiful things, a passionate interest in current events, a keen eye for fashion, style and all things beautiful, and a twinkle that told you she was very happy to see you. Many of her family and friends are sure that Dolores is the “real” Santa Claus because of her generous nature. At Christmas her home became magical and she so enjoyed the season, always entertaining and gifting family and friends. She is the only person many people will ever know that had a special closet for Christmas that she filled all year long. Dolores made Christmas special for everyone, opening her home to ensure that no one was alone at Christmas. She made a point of recognizing every birthday and anniversary. A collection of cards from Dolores is many and varied and was always unique, uplifting and given with love. All of Dolores’ family and friends have memorable times that they can recount with a smile from the trips they shared or the times visiting at the table. She would always surprise, when out and about, with the number of people she knew and what she remembered about what was important to each of them. When it was time to say goodbye after a visit, Dolores’ eyes would twinkle and she would say “let’s do this again soon, it was fun!” In recent years many people asked “Why doesn’t Dolores do this? Or that? ” They worried that she may be working too hard “counting pennies”, as she called it. Yet she confided that she found purpose in continuing what she and Gene had worked on for so long. And she felt good about her efforts every day. She enjoyed the people she worked with who became part of the family to her, facing the challenges and celebrating the successes together. When she learned about her illness, Dolores’ first thoughts were with her children and grandchildren’s futures. She shared that she believed God had a plan. And “it is what it is”. She chose to spend the last few months with family and friends, sharing memories and smiling about all the good times. Now that it is time to say goodbye for a while, we feel comfort in knowing we will be with her again. She will be missed but her memory will bring joy to our hearts forever. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75238.
What’s your fondest memory of Dolores?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dolores?
Share a story where Dolores' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dolores you’ll never forget.
How did Dolores make you smile?