Dolores Mary "Dee" Whitecotton

Dolores Mary "Dee" Whitecotton, age 102, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2012, at her residence, Autumn Meadows. She was born February 16, 1910, in Kansas City, the daughter of Andrew and Frances O'Donnell Caster. She was married on June 6, 1934, to Thomas Edward Whitecotton, who preceded her in death on June 30, 1987. During her 102 years on earth, Dee embraced life and her family, treasured her friends, and served her community. Mrs. Whitecotton became a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church when she arrived in Jefferson City 60 nine years ago. She was a past president of the Immaculate Conception Church Circle. Dee was a founding member of the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, served as that group's second president, and was a member of the St. Mary's Hospital Board of Regents. Dee was a past president of the Newcomers' Club, X Club, and the Council of Clubs, and a member of the Hawthorne Garden Club. She was Director of Volunteer Services for the Missouri Hospital Association, Vice President of the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging, a volunteer at Hamilton Towers Nutrition Site, and a member of the Hamilton Towers Board. Active in politics, she was a past president of the Cole County Women's Democratic Club, and state vice president of the Eighth District Women's Democratic Club. As a member of the Silver Haired Legislature she served as both a representative and a senator. Dee was honored as a "Point of Light" during President George H.W. Bush's "Thousand Points of Light" program. An enthusiastic preservationist, Dee and her husband acquired "Ivy Terrace", the historic Capitol Avenue home of Governor Lon Vest Stevens in the early 1960s. They restored it and lived there for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Historical Society and was a docent at the Missouri Governor's Mansion. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Rooney of Jefferson City, and son, Thomas E. Whitecotton III MG USA (Ret) and his wife Kay of Rolla and Sonoma, California. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. Whitecotton was also preceded in death by her brother, James Robert O'Donnell of Kansas City, Kansas. It was Mrs. Whitecotton's wish that her remains be donated to the University of Missouri Medical School. The Funeral Mass will be private. A celebration of Dee's life is being planned. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Mary's Health Center, and the Helias High School Music Department. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com