Mrs. Dorothy Mae Kanagy's Obituary
On October 6th, 2024, Dorothy “Dot” Kanagy went home to be with her Lord & Savior at the age
of 97.
Dot was born on November 12th, 1926, in North Augusta, South Carolina to Charles & Annie
Hightower. She married the love of her life, Paul, on November 21st, 1948. Together, they
eventually settled in North Texas with Dallas being Dot’s home for well over 50 years. She is
survived by her two children: Don (Pat) Kanagy of Buena Vista, CO and Robyn (Mike) Rudberg
of Dallas, TX. Dot was the oldest of four sisters, and is survived by her youngest sister, Barbara
Hightower of Aiken, South Carolina. She is survived by two grandchildren: Jill (Massimo) Schirru
of Dallas, TX & Ryan Kanagy of Cheyenne, WY. Dot will live on in the hearts of her two
great-granddaughters: Bella and Charlotte.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul. We take comfort in knowing they are lovingly
together again. She is also preceded in death by her sisters Jean Carswell & Nell Biggerstaff,
and granddaughter Emily Kanagy.
Dot’s love of the Lord was evident through her servant's heart. She helped to pioneer the
children’s ministry at First Baptist Dallas in the 60s. Many a Sunday was spent listening to
sermons by W.A. Criswell, caring for children in the nursery, Sunday School, and ushering her
own children to choir practice. From First Baptist to Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dot continued
her service in the children’s ministry in the 80s & 90s where she lovingly became known as
“Miss Dot”. Her warmth & care were felt by so many. She was a grandmother to all & a Mary
Poppins to many.
Miss Dot had a love of Southern cooking, hymns, gardening, weather forecasts, and was always
open to learning or trying something new. In her later years, she was well known to Google
anything she did not know. So often she would sit for periods of time looking at Google maps so
she could educate herself about places she had never been. Her frequent weather updates and
ability to identify any plant, flower or bird on the spot will be missed by her family.
Dot’s sweet nature, quick wit, and caring heart will be sorely missed. Her life was well lived and well loved. By the grace of God, we will be with her again one day. “So also you have sorrow
now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from
you.” – John 16:22
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Restland
Cemetery in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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?
