Dora Kay Luff

Dora Kay Luff was born on February 20, 1954, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Billie Jeff Henderson and Barbara Louise (Casey) Henderson. She went Home to be with the Lord on July 28, 2026, at the age of 72. 

Dora proudly served her country in the United States Marine Corps for nine years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). During her service, she worked in maintenance on C-130 aircraft and later served as a Marine recruiter. She was also part of one of the first classes of women Marines given the opportunity to qualify as sharpshooters. 

Throughout her working years, Dora held a variety of clerical positions and was especially talented at “keeping the books.” Her husband, JW, affectionately called her his “numbers gal.” 

Although Dora was not a pilot—and did not even like flying—aviation seemed to choose her. She was originally hired by Barr Air Patrol in Conroe, Texas, to maintain the company’s aircraft maintenance logs. During her 17 years with the company, she also worked in dispatch, coordinating flights across the country, and ultimately served as office manager until her retirement. 

JW and Dora first met online. When JW told her he was a pilot, she replied, “I don’t fly.” He answered, “You’ve never flown with me.” After thinking for a moment, Dora said, “You’re right, I haven’t.” 

JW became the only pilot with whom Dora willingly flew. They would have celebrated 25 years together in September. Through JW’s work as an EMS pilot, Dora formed many lasting friendships with people who, over the years, became like family to her. 

Dora was known as a prayer warrior and was an ardent student of God’s Word. Over the years, she was a member of Second Baptist Church in La Porte; The Crossings Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas; and Northside Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas. During her years at these churches, Dora participated in many ministries and outreach efforts, including the Outreach Computer Class, Youth Ministry, Missions Fair, Interfaith Housing, Pregnancy Crisis Center, Celebrate Recovery, and others. 

In 2021, Dora became a beloved member of Central Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. She dearly loved the members of Central Baptist Church and had a special love for the church’s missions program. She played an instrumental role in establishing the Children’s Christmas Store and greatly desired to be involved in the church’s newest outreach, the Prayer Tent Ministry. Although her diagnosis came shortly after the ministry was launched, Dora was among the first to step forward and give toward the purchase of its first two tents. 

Dora was an incredibly talented artist. Over the years, she drew and painted many special pieces for her friends and family. In recent years, she shared her talent by teaching art modules at the Christian school for several semesters. 

Her creativity and faith came together in Doodle Words Devotions, a Facebook page she created. For a time, Dora used the page to share her artwork along with “a simple, daily devotional to prayerfully help one grow in the Lord and see God in a whole new light!”

A verse that held special meaning for Dora was Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” That truth was woven throughout Dora’s life. In seasons of service and joy, as well as in seasons of loss and illness. She loved God, trusted His purpose, and looked for ways He could use her life to encourage and help others.

Dora dearly loved her husband, JW, and her 13-year-old pup, Liza Jane. She deeply loved her grandson, AJ, and longed to know him better and spend more time with him. Those privileged to call Dora a friend knew her to be loyal and compassionate, as well as a trusted confidante. 

Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Cynthia La Verne Henderson; her brother, Guy Casey Henderson; her sons, Steven Edward Young and James Martin “Marty” Young; and her stepdaughter, Vanna Lynn Ball. 

She is survived by her husband, James William “JW” Luff of Amarillo, Texas; her grandson, Aaron James “AJ” Young of Carthage, Texas; and her sisters-in-law, Annette Henderson of Mineral Wells, Texas, Anita Luff and Shirley Bement, both of Henderson, Texas, and Gael Luff of Palmer, Texas. She is also survived by her nephews, Brent Loftis and his wife, Maricela, of North Richland Hills, Texas, Casey Henderson Jr. and his wife, Cassie, of Perrin, Texas, and William “Nate” Henderson and his wife, Jacki, of Mineral Wells, Texas; her niece, Kathy Bement of Henderson, Texas; her great-nephews, Luke and Noah Henderson of Mineral Wells, Texas, and Cade and Cason Bricker-Henderson of Perrin, Texas; and her great-niece, Luna Henderson of Mineral Wells, Texas. 

Dora will also be lovingly remembered by the many special friends she made through her church and work families and throughout every season of her life.