Dora Maria McClure's Obituary
MCCLURE, DORA MARIA PEREZ 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January_2013 in her home in Kaufman, TX. She fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and triumphed to live more years than expected after being diagnosed. She was born and raised in Mission, TX on October 24, 1934 to Fernando and Narcisa Perez. Dora graduated from Mission High School. She received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX and later earned a M.S. Degree in Bilingual Education from Southern Methodist University. She completed her coursework towards her Doctor in Education (Ed.D) in Educational Administration from Nova University. She began her teaching career in Wylie ISD where she worked for 12 years. She retired from Dallas Independent School District where she worked for 23 years as an Administrator in different capacities. While employed in Dallas ISD, she was a pioneer in bilingual education in the early 1970’s, developing bilingual education curriculum in the newly created Bilingual Education Department. Dora was instrumental in retrieving millions of dollars by writing federal grants to help underprivileged children reach their academic potential in Dallas ISD. After 35 years of dedicated service as an educator, she retired, but continued working part time as a supervisor in the Adult Basic Education Program, a program that assists immigrants learn English as a second language through the Dallas ISD. After relocating to her farm in Kaufman in 1998, she left her educational career with public schools. Being the generous, gentle soul that she was, Dora got involved in organizations dear to her heart. In Wylie, she became active with the Daughters of Rebekah, an international service-oriented organization, whose motto is “To live peacefully, do good unto all, as we have opportunity and especially obey the Golden Rule.” In Dallas she was a long time member of Westglen Baptist Church. Dora became an active member of the First Baptist Church of Kaufman, where she taught Bible school and participated in church fundraising activities. Dora loved life and enjoyed attending functions with her “sisters in Christ” church friends as well as meeting up with the flamboyant, fun loving Red Hatters. As a member of the Republican Women’s Organization of Texas, Dora was coordinator of the ”No Child Left Behind” for Kaufman County, and devoted her time to re-energizing the program’s activities. For her dedication and that of her husband, Jay, to the Republican Party, they were invited to attend President George W. Bush’s Inauguration Ball in Washington, D.C. Dora was instrumental in helping people reach their educational goals. Dora’s love for the Lord was shown by the way she lived her life and that example lead many to the Lord. She was loved and cherished by a multitude of friends who will treasure memories of good times gone by. Dora will be dearly missed by all who knew her for she touched many lives through her journey on this earth. But she has finally gone home to our Lord where she is at peace basking in His loving presence. Dora leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Avril Jay McClure; her daughters, Narcilee Barnes (Larry), Lura Chronister (Robert) and Jaylene Agatep (John). Dora had four grandchildren: Tausha Motsenbocker, Angela Wright, Rachael and Bryce Chronister. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Perez (Blanca) from McAllen, Texas, Nora McSwain (Kenneth) from Fulton, MO. and Nelda Carter (Robert) from Waynesville, MO.; many nieces and nephews. Special lifelong friends, Estella Ashmore and Eloisa Coy. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday, January 25, 2013 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 26 at Restland Memorial Chapel with interment following immediately in Restland Memorial Park.
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