Dorothy B. Phea-Norville

Long-time Lubbock educator, Mrs. Dorothy Bennett Phea Norville died on October 7, 2021, after a lengthy illness. She was 87 years old. Her funeral services will be Friday, October 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock. Visitation will occur from 12-1 pm. A public visitation with the family will occur on Thursday, October 28, from 6-8 pm at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Design, 6025 82^nd Street, Lubbock. Interment will occur at Resthaven Memorial Park. 5740 19^th Street, Lubbock immediately following the funeral.Dorothy was born September 6, 1934, in Bonham, Texas. She was the tenth child of Lonnie and Virgie Bennett. She accepted Christ at an early age. She grew up in her home church in Bonham. In her sixty plus years as a faithful member of Lubbock’s Carter Chapel C.M.E. Church, she served tirelessly as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Stewardess, Trustee, church secretary, CYF Director, and teacher, cook, and church delegate to annual, regional, and general conferences.Dorothy graduated with a BA in Education from Texas College in 1956. She completed a Masters in Guidance and Counseling at Texas Tech University. She began work in Lubbock Independent School District in 1956. She taught elementary, high school, Head Start, and adult education. She was a school guidance counselor and she retired in 2001 after serving over 20 years as the proud principal of New Directions High School.Dorothy pledged Delta Sigma Theta while at Texas College. She joined the Lubbock Alumnae Chapter upon moving to Lubbock and served until her health declined. In addition, she served on numerous civic and non-profit boards.In 1956, Dorothy Bennett united in matrimony with her high school sweetheart Theodore R. Phea Jr. in Lubbock, Texas. To this union, three children, Theodora, Greg, and Angela were born. She was faithful to this union until Theodore’s death in 1987.  In June 1995, she united in matrimony to Homer L. Norville and was faithful to this union until his death, December 18, 2020. This union brought five adult children and two grandchildren.Dorothy will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know her. Her smile, her caring and thoughtful ways, her hand on her hip, her “listening ear” and the way she could make a person feel special and cared about, will also be missed. She was a champion for education and encouraged and helped so many students achieve. Her own three children earned college and terminal degrees. Dorothy had class, style, and grace. Her beauty was evident internally and externally. She loved to cook, sew, paint and host people in her home. Most important was her love for God, her shining example of living for Him, and her compassion for people.Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories: three loving and devoted children, Theodora (Van) Pinnock, Greg (Patricia) Phea, and Angela Phea; six grandchildren: Chloe, Angela, Greg Jr., Makenli, Vanessa, and Nylah; and a host of nieces and nephews and long devoted friends, co-workers, and church members.