Dorothy Mae Franks, 94, a resident of League City, Texas, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Dorothy was born in Hearne, Texas on September 7, 1930, to loving parents Robert Hilburn and Mary Louise Hilburn. She was raised in Hearne and graduated from Hearne High School on May 25,1947, where she served as secretary of her senior class and played saxophone in the school band.

She met the love of her life, Alvah Glenn Franks, while working  at the Five and Dime store with his sister, Lois Franks. Dorothy and Alvah were married on August 14, 1948, and together they raised a family in Hearne.

After becoming a mother, Dorothy was active in the Hearne PTA and a devoted member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. She worked for many years alongside her husband, Alvah, at the Western Auto Associate Store in Hearne until their retirement in December of 1988. The couple enjoyed traveling for both business and leisure with friends and family.

In 2013, Dorothy moved to League City, Texas, to be closer to family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, dining out, and attending family activities.

Her love and strength will be cherished by those who knew her.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Louise Hilburn; husband, Alvah Glenn Franks; son, Alvah G. Franks, Jr. (at only five days old); daughter, Lou Ellen Scallorn; her in-laws, Loony and Clara Franks and sister, Mary Lou Jackson.

She leaves behind to treasure her memory, daughter, Barbara Sawyer; grandchildren, Eric Sawyer and wife, Lisa, Erin Reifel and husband, Trevor, and Brandi Smith; great-grandchildren, Margaret Sawyer, Vaughn Sawyer, Tabitha Reifel, Wyatt Reifel and Alison Young and a number of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas. The family will be available at 5:00pm if you wish to arrive early. A graveside funeral service will be held at Norwood Cemetery in Hearne, Texas on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 2:00pm, officiated by Deacon Linda Ford of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in her name be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Hearne, Texas.