of Searcy, AR
July 31, 1924 - July 27, 2024
Dora Lee Showalter of Searcy, died Saturday, July 27, 2024 four days shy of her 100th birthday. She was born July 31, 1924 in Searcy, AR where she was a 1942 graduate of Searcy High School and a longtime member of First Baptist Church.
Early in life, Dora Lee lived for a time on Searcy's court square while her grandfather was a county official. After high school graduation, she worked in the ticket booth of the historic Rialto Theater and also worked as a secretary, becoming well-known for her typing and shorthand skills. As a result of her secretarial excellence, she had the opportunity to work on the Washington, D.C. staff of U.S. Representative Wilbur Mills. Instead, she married Harry Showalter, a World War II veteran she had met from the ticket booth and found her life calling as a caring homemaker, loving wife and supportive mother.
The Showalter's built their life in Tuckerman, AR where Dora Lee delighted in raising her children and forging many meaningful and lasting friendships. They later returned to Searcy to retire. As her family grew, she took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their ''Mimi''.
Dora Lee was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years, Harry; her parents, Lee and Thelma (Moss) Price and her sisters, Henrietta (Price) Adams and Mary Ann Price.
She is survived by her son, Dr. Ken Showalter and his wife, Barbara of Searcy; her daughter, Judy (Showalter) Irwin and her husband, Jim of Little Rock; one cousin, Thelma Lee Liles; four grandchildren, Jill (Irwin) Penick and her husband, Dr. Ted Penick of Little Rock; Dr. Blake Showalter and his wife, Leigh Ann of Searcy; Brooke (Showalter) Zimny and her husband, René of Hoover, Alabama and Clark Irwin and his wife, Megan of Little Rock; eight great-grandsons, Ted Penick, Worth Penick, Price Showalter, Clark Irwin, Ben Showalter, Cole Irwin, Walker Zimny and Kurt Zimny and one great-granddaughter, Cate Penick.
A family graveside service will be held in coming days. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.
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17 Condolence(s)
Suanne Tims Aguirre
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Ken and Judy, I have never forgotten how beautiful and kind your mom was. I will always treasure the memories of spending time at your home when we were kids. I love you and am praying for you and your family.
Laura Showalter DeLay
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Ken and Judy,
Your mom was always model beautiful! I’m so sorry for your loss. You both are loved and thought of during this time!
Love,
Laura
Margee Bell Castleberry
Friday, August 2, 2024
Dear Judy and Ken, I have such wonderful memories of your mother. She was always so gracious to me when I was at your home. I can only imagine the wonderful memories that will fill your days ahead. My thought and prayers will be with you.
Gary & Carnell Yarbrough
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Mrs. Showalter was a good neighbor and friend for many years. I took care of her yard for many years and tried to make it look good so it would please her. We are praying for your family in the days to come. You have our deep condolences.
Claudia Hammans Stallings
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Judy, You had your beautiful mother so long! I would say she had been here well over 100 years since her mother carried her for at least 9 months. So many times you will want to tell her something then remember you cannot call her. Care is so special being the only great grand daughter. Lots of boys!!! Thinking about you and your family has you celebrate her life.
Cindy Tims Northcutt
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Judy, Ken and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special lady to all of your friends. I'm truly blessed to have known her growing up. May God keep you all wrapped in his loving arms.
Lori Nielsen
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
So sorry for your loss.
Alma Massey
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Judy Ken and families-She was a wonderful mother and Mimi
Thinking of all of you -prayers
Susie Gray Biehle
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Judy, I’m so sorry for your loss and sending love and healing to you and the family. Your mom was so special - I have so many lovely memories of her and how welcome she always made me feel in your home. I hope you find solace in the memories.
Kathy French
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll. Dora Lee lived a long and wonderful life!! She will be so glad to see her husband Harry!! I will keep her in my prayers!!
Diane Spencer
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Judy my thoughts and prayers are with you. She was such a beautiful woman. Prayers for healing and peace are with you.
Linda Blackwood Ford
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
I remember the day you came in our class for the first time. As soon as Mother explained all the family connections, we felt like family forever. Dora Lee made us so welcome in your home and I’ll always remember that. All the way till we graduated, we knew she was there for us. I love y’all. Linda Sue
Sharon Wesson
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
I’m so sorry for your Loss. Mrs. Showalter was a beautiful Lady inside and out.
J M and Judy Showalter
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Ken, Judy and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers as you journey through this time of saying goodbye to your Mom, grandmother and one loved by so many! We loved Dora Lee and always felt her love for us! We have fond memories of being together for family gatherings and will always remember her smiling face and welcoming us in for a visit when we came to Searcy for a visit !! God bless you as He puts his arms around you in the days ahead ! Sending you all our love! JM , Judy and family
Rick collins
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Dear Judy, I’m so sorry for your loss! My mother is 98 and not sure I’m prepared. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Stay strong!
Linda Fletcher Steed
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Judy and Ken, I am so sorry to hear that you have suffered the loss of your beautiful mother! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time!
Connie Newton Feagin
Monday, July 29, 2024
Ken, Judy & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Growing up, I always thought Aunt Doralee was beautiful like a movie star. She was always so proud of her children & grandchildren. I pray all the good memories will give you comfort as you say goodbye to your precious mother. Again, I am praying for you & your family & that God would hold you close & give you peace.
Knowing Him is Everything,
Connie Newton Feagin