Dorothy Broaddus

Dorothy Hood was born in the Burleson County community of Hix to Asa Marvin Hood and Lucy Jane Howry Hood.  She spent her childhood in Hix where she was a member of the Hix Baptist Church and attended the Hix School.  She then went to Caldwell High School where she graduated in 1942.

After attending business school, she moved to The Groves, Texas, and was a field secretary for the Texas Company (later known as Texaco).  A few years later, she returned to Caldwell where she met and married Murray James “Jimmy” Broaddus on her 21st birthday in 1946.  Son Bill was born in 1950, and son Jim was born in 1952.

Over the course of the ensuing years, Jimmy served faithfully at Caldwell National Bank while Dorothy held a variety of administrative support roles in the community.  She was law secretary to Mr. Hayes Bowers, tax clerk in the Burleson County Tax Office, and secretary at Varner Ford. In 1960, she became church/pastor’s secretary at First Baptist Church, later transitioning to the role of financial secretary.  In February 2022, First Baptist honored “Mrs. Dorothy” on her retirement after 61+ years of service to her beloved church and to her Lord.  Her heart of service extended to all ages, including the children of the church school who routinely dropped by the church office for a hug, a kind word, a smile, and a piece of candy from Mrs. Dorothy.

Among other activities, Dorothy was known for her gift of decorating the First Baptist sanctuary (often along with Mrs. Dorothy Batista) for Christmas and other special seasons.  At Christmas, the Broaddus home was known for its festive yard decorations, usually designed by Dorothy and constructed by Jimmy.  After Jimmy’s death, son Bill maintained, set up, and then stored the yard decorations every year.  Dorothy’s joy was evident when the lights came on each year.

Dorothy is survived by her son Bill and wife Beverly of Caldwell, and her son Jim and wife Anne of Waco.  Her 5 grandchildren include Brian and wife Jennifer of Caldwell, Bradley and wife Katie of Round Rock, Matt and wife Kelly of Houston, Patrick and wife Courtney of Waco, and Angela Wommack and husband Paul of Waco.  Her 12 great grandchildren were special lights in her life—Ryan, Riley, Luke, Allie, Jake, Darcy, Owen, Ethan, and Abby Broaddus and Ty, Clayton, and Brett Wommack.  She is also survived by sister-in-law Ray Ann Alford and husband Dan of Caldwell as well as a host of nephews, nieces, and their families.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her parents-in-law (Murray and Ray Broaddus), her brother Acie, and her brother-in-law Billy Broaddus and wife Clair Lynn.

Mom/Gram had her share of pain in life, especially in later years, yet she never lost her joy.  Her infectious grin, sense of humor, and inviting laugh warmed many a heart.  Her sense of purpose was always loving her family and serving others, especially her church family.

This is her story. This is her song.  Praising her Savior all her life long!

Services will be at First Baptist Church in Caldwell at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, with grandson Patrick presiding.  In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 300 S. Thomas, PO Box 609, Caldwell 77836, or to Enhabit Hospice, 3600 Texas 6 Frontage Rd #100, College Station 77845.

The Family will receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. Monday, evening at the funeral home.