Dorothy Nell Brush was born May 6, 1941 to Prince and Marie McNeal. She was the first of three children born to her parents. She grew up in Houston's 5th Ward Community and attended Phillis Wheatley High School. Dorothy was very smart in school and was skipped up two grades early in her school years. She was headed to an early graduation until she and her husband began a family in 1955. Dorothy still graduated High School in 1959 as a married mother of two children. By 1963, Dorothy and her husband Mr. Harold Teen Brush, Sr. were the parents of five children.
In 1965, Dorothy found herself raising her three youngest sons all alone in the heart of 5th Ward. Dorothy's mental toughness, and desire to provide for her boys resulted in her constant drive to better herself; while instilling the same drive in her children. She had to be the disciplinarian and loving figure as well the one who always found a way to provide nice things for her boys. Christmas was never disappointing and she was always the greatest cook. Amazingly Dorothy worked every day and still kept her sons fed and in order. Dorothy worked full time in the laundry department at St. Elizabeth Hospital while going to night school. She was promoted to the Admissions Department at St. Elizabeth Hospital and then on to her final career in payroll at Foley’s Department Store.
To her sons, Dorothy was “Super Mom” who was very strict about her sons going to school every day. It's those little things that brought about raising boys to become men and she certainly did that!
In 1981 Dorothy purchased her first home and that became the gathering place for family get togethers, great food, family, and fellowship. Dorothy instilled the importance of love, values and good ole’ family fun.
Dorothy became a member of Outreach Missionary Baptist Church and quickly became involved in many ministries. Her favorite ministry was the Usher board. She was a forever faithful member at Outreach until her health began to fail. Dorothy enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, party busses to the Bayou Classic, Mardi Gras and the Crawfish Festival to name a few. In 2003 Dorothy retired, but still went on trips and enjoyed life with her family.
She was a strong and courageous woman through various medical issues. Dorothy was blessed with the opportunity to be in sound mind when she met and held her great-great granddaughter and great-great grandson. Dorothy Nell was truly a blessing to all who knew her and she touched so many lives; all for the better. From all the people Dorothy has met and or been around; we say to you Servant of the Lord: Thank you for "STOPPING BY FOR 80 YEARS AND ONE MONTH; ON YOUR WAY HOME" Mom you are Home Now.
Left to cherish Dorothy’s love of family and life are her sons Jeffrey Allen Brush (Carla), Eric Carlton Brush (Celinda), Gregory Leon Brush, Sr. (Sharon) all of Houston, Texas; daughters Phyllis Ann Brush Harvey (George) of Houston and Joanne Brush of Minneapolis, Minnesota; sister Cathy Walker (Suvella) of Grapeland, Texas; half- siblings, Lee Jelks (Stephanie), of Grapeland, Texas, Debra Johnson, of Garland, Texas and Wanda Dean of Houston, Texas; aunts Ila McNeal Gilstrap of Greenville, Texas; Dolores Curry of Navasota, Texas; sister-in-law Cynthia McNeal, Chicago, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation: Saturday, Friday, June 12, 2021 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Greater St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 2:00 PM
Greater St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church
6531 Beekman Street, Houston, TX 77021