Dorothy Parmer Harding

Dorothy Jean Parmer Harding, of Mansfield, TX, peacefully passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 89. Dorothy was born on November 28, 1936, in Memphis, TN, to Zelpha Marie Davis and Milton Wesley Parmer. Her parents settled in Houston, TX, before she started school and she grew up as an active member of Broadway Baptist Church and going to Galveston on weekends. She graduated from Milby High School in 1954, and attended the University of Houston before marrying Billy Loyd Harding on June 2, 1956, in Houston.

Dorothy and Billy were married just short of 65 years when Billy passed on May 7, 2021. Billy was born in Houston on December 23, 1935, to Mary Oznola Moore and Guy D. Harding, growing up in Houston and also attending Milby High School. He had joined the Army on September 8, 1953, and was stationed in Korea until March 7, 1956, when he returned to Houston. As soon as they married, they moved to Arlington, TX, for Billy's new job at the American Can Company where he worked for 33 years. They had two sons, Kenneth and Glen. Dorothy worked in retail before finding employment in the banking industry, working at the First State Bank of Bedford, Mansfield State Bank, and later the Arlington Bank and Trust.

They moved to Bedford before Kenneth started school, later moving to Grapevine, then building a home in the Mansfield area in 1972. They attended Bedford Methodist Church and the Bisbee Baptist Church and enjoyed their involvement with Cub Scouts, baseball, and any activities that Kenneth and Glen wanted to do. Dorothy retired early to spend more time with her grandsons and enjoy her sewing room. Billy continued to work for the American Carton Company and Southern Champion Tray in Mansfield before they bought a camp trailer and began hosting in State Parks all over Texas, often camping from March until November, and they enjoyed this for over 15 years.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Billy, her son Glen, her nephew David, and her brothers and sisters-in-law: Sonny & Helen, Howard & Audrey, and Dolores. She is survived by her son Kenneth and his wife Cindy, her brother-in-law Jerry Harding Sr., her grandchildren Wesley Harding and Jared & Sarah Harding, and her great-grandchildren Jordan, Dylan, Sophie, and Hudson. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Trisha & Pat, Kathy, Judy & Tommy, Jerry Jr. & Nancy, Kay, Danny, Pat & Tracey, James & Charlotte, and Mike & Barbie along with their families. The family would like to acknowledge the residents and staff of Highlands Village Senior Living for all the happiness they gave to Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.