Dorothy Jo Carter McConnell, 87, a long time resident of Italy, Texas, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 11, 2009. She was born to the late Luin Alexander Carter and Martha Grace McSpadden Carter, on August 18, 1922 in Van Buren, Missouri.

Dorothy was married to the late Gilbert McConnell, Jr. in 1938; they were married for sixty years. She was preceded in death by her dear sisters, Maxine Hogan and Eleanor Hellman of Van Buren, Missouri and her grandson, Clint McCrary.

Dorothy was an active member of the Italy Church of Christ where she was a long time Sunday school and Vacation Bible school teacher. She was a member of the Rebecca Boyce Chapter of D.A.R, the Italy Fortnightly club, and the P.T.A. She loved to travel and took many wonderful vacations with her husband and family.

Dorothy is survived by five children and their spouses, Linda Kyle of Ft. Worth, Sue McCrary and Jim of Boerne, Texas, Debra DiStefano and Ronald of Nacogdoches, Texas, Gilbert McConnell III and Dana o Owasso, Oklahoma and Luin McConnell and Brenda of Italy, Texas. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Cathy Kyle, Lisa Kyle, Rebecca Kyle Joseph, Rachael Kyle Salinas, Meg Kyle, Ashley McConnell Patton, Luin McConnell, Jr., Hunter McConnell and Alexandra Grace McConnell, as well as nine great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 PM, Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy, Texas.

Funeral services will be 3PM Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy, Texas with Mr. Walter Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at the Italy Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Luin McConnell, Jr., Ricky Whitney, Ronald DiStefano, Michael Salinas, John Orr and Darrin Treadway. Honorary pallbearer will be Robert Patton.

To view an online obituary or leave the family a personal tribute, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie.