Essie Mae Dove

Essie Mae Dove, age 85, passed away September 15, 2020, at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco, Texas. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. Essie was born August 12, 1935, in Texas. As a young child, her responsibilities were to care for the family pets, chickens and her donkey. Her chores also included the house plants and garden. She moved to Mexia in 1954 and then Waco in 1974. While in Waco, she cared for an elderly lady, children and worked at Reeds Florist. Essie moved to Wortham around 1987 to assist a couple in caregiving. In 1999, she began to live on her own with one of her many cats and plants. Her additional hobbies included crocheting, puzzles, music and fishing. Essie was a devout Catholic and enjoyed singing. One accomplishment that she was most proud was receiving her GED at 72 years old. Essie loved people, never met a stranger and was always wanting to help others. She always supported the Wortham Volunteer Fire Department every year at their BBQ and Cake Auction. Essie will be remembered as the little lady that rode her scooter all over town, feeding everyone's cats, and visiting. She is preceded in death by many of her close friends. Essie is survived by many friends who became her family. Per her request, honorary pallbearers are Paul Collins, Kyle Collins, Alan Gibson, and D. Sam Wright. Memorials may be made to Animal Shelter at Wortham, PO Box 186, Wortham, Texas 76693; Hot Paws, Attn: Elizabeth Dadin, 8261SE CR 1020, Corsicana, Texas 75109; or The Kittery, Attn: Liz Hernandez, 838 Krisker Lane, Mexia, Texas 76667. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.