Mary Elizabeth Dotson

Mary Elizabeth Dotson, 85, of Amarillo,  passed away June 5, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Private family services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20th at Grace Baptist Church, 507 NE 4th Street, Andrews, Texas, 79714. 

Mary was born December 23, 1940 in Frankell City, Texas, to Mattie and James Toops. She dedicated more than four decades to nursing, working alongside her husband in their medical practice for many of those years. She was endlessly fascinated by the science of nursing and loved sharing stories about interesting cases and medical discoveries. Her passion for the profession was so inspiring that two of her granddaughters chose to follow in her footsteps and pursue careers in nursing.

Known for being tougher than nails and never one to mince words, Mary rarely sugarcoated her opinions. If you asked for her thoughts, you were sure to get an honest answer—whether you were prepared for it or not. A phrase often repeated by those who knew her best was, “She is the strongest woman I’ve ever known.”That strength was especially evident during the last several years of her life as she faced significant health challenges. Despite the obstacles, Mary persevered with remarkable determination and grit. She refused to let adversity define her, often reminding others that you can’t let life beat you down. During her years in home health care, Mary often went above and beyond for her elderly patients, purchasing countless electric blankets to make sure they stayed warm during the winter months.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. J.C. Dotson, and her daughter, Kimberly Ann Dotson.Mary is survived by her daughters, Debbie Johnson and husband Brad of Amarillo, Texas, and Kathy Dotson of Amarillo, Texas; her son, Rick Dotson and Liz, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, her granddaughters, Brittney, Tamyra, Ashlee and Taylor, all of whom she loved immensely, and six great-grandchildren, and a sister, Sandy Green of Gainsville, Texas.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, sharp wit and unwavering love. She taught those around her that life is best met head-on, that family comes first, and that a little stubbornness can sometimes be a virtue. The family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with those who went before her, and she's probably already telling everyone exactly how things ought to be done.

She will be deeply missed and talked about for years to come, likely with a smile and a story that begins, "You know mom would say..."