Hildred was born and raised in Timpson, Texas.  She graduated from Timpson High School and attended Stephen F Austin University.  She worked for Southwestern Bell in Houston. She met the love of her life, Joseph John Dempsey, Sr. in Houston, Texas. They married three short months later on October 11, 1945. The two spent over 32 years together before his passing in 1977. After Joe’s passing, Hildred worked for 16 years at the Center Post Office.

 

Hildred is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe; her parents, Arthur and Jewell Thornton; son, Joseph John Dempsey, Jr.; and sister, Audrey King. 

 

She is survived by her son, Thomas Dempsey and fiancé, Deanna Banks of Lafayette, Louisiana; daughters, Mary Gordon and husband, Jeff of Friendswood, Texas, Cathy Peters of Missouri City, Texas, Susan Roderick and husband, Homer of Joshua, Texas, Colleen Dickerson and husband, Mason of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Maureen Hunt and husband, Dannie of Timpson, Texas; brother, Ross Thornton and wife, Betty of Timpson, Texas; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Hildred adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Hildred was a peacemaker, never spoke an unkind word, and always found something special in everyone.  She was a shining example of Christ-like attributes.  She found great joy spending time in her flower gardens, working in the yard, wading on the beach, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she lived for each day. 

 

Pallbearers for Mrs. Dempsey’s service will be Andrew Gordon, Michael Gordon, Adam Roderick, Tom Roderick, David Roderick and Joseph Hunt.

 

Honorary pallbearers are John Angenend and James Allen Sapp.