Dorothy Jo Ferguson's Obituary
Dorothy Jo Ferguson passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family. Known as “Dorothy Jo or Dot” to many and “Nanny” to those who loved her most, she was a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love throughout her life.
Dorothy was born on October 11, 1928, in Manitou, Oklahoma, to Nannie Darnell Martin and Chester William Martin. She entered the world near the beginning of the Great Depression in a tool shed on her grandparents’ farm — a humble beginning that shaped a life defined by strength and perseverance.
At just three years old, Dorothy survived a powerful cyclone that blew away her grandfather’s house. The family sheltered in the cellar, holding the door shut to protect themselves. She later said the experience reminded her of the tornado scene in The Wizard of Oz.
Growing up, Dorothy did her homework by the light of an Aladdin oil lamp and spent evenings listening to popular radio programs such as Inner Sanctum. As a teenager, she enjoyed trips to the movies in Norman, Oklahoma. She once recalled seeing a handsome young man outside the movie theater, whom her friend knew as her brother’s best friend — James Baumgarner, who would later become the famed actor James Garner.
Dorothy graduated from Victory High School #11 in Davidson, Oklahoma. She worked at Furnas Electric in Batavia, Illinois, and later for Sears in downtown Dallas. However, the greatest work of her life was raising her four children and helping manage the family business, Ferguson Foundation and Drilling, alongside her husband.
At the age of 18, Dorothy met and married the love of her life, Harold “Smokey” Ferguson. Their marriage lasted 65 years and was marked by deep devotion and partnership. In 1949, they moved to Dallas, Texas, where they built their life together and raised their family in Oak Cliff, living in the same home for nearly seven decades until 2016.
In retirement, Dorothy and Smokey delighted in spending time with family and friends, playing 42 and canasta, and traveling throughout the United States in their motorhome. Her home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother, Nannie Darnell Martin; her father, Chester William Martin; her beloved husband, Harold “Smokey” Ferguson; her granddaughter, Kasie Rickels Cazares; and great grandson Brandon Rickels.
She is survived by her children: David Ferguson; Bill Ferguson and wife Kathy; Nancy Johns and husband Noel; and Donna Rickels and partner Mike Torres.
She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Kristy Redden and husband Denny; Brad Ferguson and wife Heather; and Meredith Letrich and husband Dylan.
Her joy was multiplied through her great-grandchildren: Galvin Soley, Madison Soley, Kayla Rickels, Jayden Rickels, Ty Yamada, Grant Ferguson and Landon Letrich.
Dorothy’s life was defined by faith, strength, grace and an unwavering love — for her family, her home, and the many people blessed to know her. To her grandchildren, she will always be “Nanny,” and her memory will live on through the generations she so dearly loved.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?
