Funeral services for Dorothy “Rebecca” Denton, 83, of Collinsville, Texas, will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 2pm, at the Collinsville Church of Christ with Ricky Patterson and Jack Jerman officiating. Interment will follow at Collinsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, June 21, 2021, at Meador Funeral Home Chapel in Whitesboro, Texas. She passed away at her home, Wednesday night, June 16, 2021.
Rebecca was born to Hugh and Dorothy Hite on July 28, 1937, in Collinsville, Texas. She married Norman Denton, November 21, 1962, in McKinney, Texas, and they enjoyed 53 years together happily working hard, raising their family and serving their community in Collinsville.
She grew up in Collinsville and graduated from Collinsville High School, where she was active in almost everything that was available, from academics to athletics, gaining poise and confidence to attempt just about anything life handed her. She excelled in the classroom and on the basketball court as a fierce guard alongside teammates who still hold UIL scoring records in the state of Texas for 6-on-6 girls’ basketball. She graduated from the University of North Texas with B.S. and M.Ed. degrees, and pursued advanced studies at Texas Women’s University and the University of Hawaii. She began her teaching career in Fontana, California, and eventually returned to Texas and taught at Irving High School, Richardson High School and Whitesboro Middle School. She was a well-loved teacher of English, Science, Physical Education and Career Exploration for 25 years.
Rebecca was a native Texan through and through, proud to have been born and raised in Grayson County, but she also loved traveling the world, including Europe, Russia, North Africa, Spain, the Caribbean and Australia, as well as Hawaii, Alaska and many other states. Singing and music were also important in her life, so she was happy to combine her wonderful, God-given soprano voice with her love of traveling as part of the International Christian Singers, under the direction of Dr. Wayne Hinds of Lubbock Christian University.
Known for lifelong active volunteering, in 1976, Rebecca became a charter member of the New Horizon Club of Collinsville, a local Texas Federated Women’s Club (TFWC). In 2004, she was elected President of the TFWC Trinity District. She was instrumental in establishing the Collinsville City Park and was named TFWC’s Outstanding Clubwoman Volunteer in 2007 for her work in helping establish the Collinsville Community Library. She served as the Library Board president and led a volunteer staff in planning and carrying out the library activities, while working with the mayor and city council to keep the library running smoothly. She may be best known for transplanting her beloved bluebonnets to a flower bed in front of the library so the city mowers wouldn’t mow them down!
Rebecca served for nine years as a member of the Collinsville ISD school board. She was happy to give back to the school she loved so dearly – Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate! Rebecca was indeed a life-long educator and learner. She leaves behind a great legacy through the accomplishments of the children she has taught and guided, not only her students, but also her own children and grandchildren.
Rebecca was a member of several professional organizations including Delta Psi Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, Texas Classroom Teachers Association and Texas Retired Teachers Association. Other clubs and organizations she participated in included the Herb and Antique Rose Society of Sherman and SMA Singers. She enjoyed exploring family genealogy and her research met requirements to join Daughters of the American Revolution.
She loved gardening and was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying water skiing, snow skiing and swimming. Rebecca was a certified water safety instructor. She taught private swimming lessons with her family to students of all ages in her backyard pool for over 30 years.
Children and family were always a priority to Rebecca. Her most important accomplishments and purpose in her life were to help mold young minds and bodies into wonderful Christian adults. She was an active member of the Collinsville Church of Christ, where she taught Bible classes and assisted with ladies and youth events for many years. She was a camp counselor for over 25 years at Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp in Madill, OK, and served as a member of the Board of Directors.
Her mission was to treasure her family and friends; to thank, seek and follow God and His word; to seize every day as if it were her last because tomorrow may not come; and to continually learn, serve and share knowledge.
Rebecca is survived by two daughters, Debbie Denton of Carrollton, and Tammy Davis and husband, Rance of Sherman; son, Randal Denton and wife, Amy of Tioga; five grandchildren, Jake, Justin and Kayla Davis of Sherman; David and Sarah Denton of Tioga; and brother, Michael Hugh Hite of Sherman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Denton; her parents, Hugh and Dorothy Hite; and sister, Kathleen Heffley.
Pallbearers will be Jake Davis, Justin Davis, David Denton, Kenneth Hite, Jared Light, Harold Tamplen, Marvin Lowery, and Randy Woody.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Rebecca Denton to the Scholarship Fund at Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp, PO Box 440, Madill, OK 73446 or www.pettijohnsprings.com.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and Prayers.
Rebecca was the sweetest lady I knew. She will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Rebecca’s passing, such a fine lady and friend,
My condolences to the family. ???
Adieu to you dear, Aunt Rebecca. You were the picture of drive and ambition, a real ball of fire and a force to be reckoned with even at 83. A strong woman who fought for her beliefs, her interests and her loves. We love a strong woman! Thank you for your many contributions to the community, especially the Library.
And thank you for a late night talk, we had a few years back. I had a question that I had been carrying around for well over a decade or more that you were able to answer that night, that others could not. I needed the answer to that question to move on and heal and you gave it to me with humor and straightforward, sincere, honesty. I hold that memory of you, in that moment and the words you shared as something precious to me. That is the memory of you that I will always keep with fondness and love. And to family, I offer you love and comfort in your friends and family and may you accept and surrender to whatever is happening in your life and that with time, may your soul heal, your spirit flourish, and your heart be one less shade of broken.
With love, your niece and cousin,
“Pam” (Dorman Denton’s Youngest Daughter)
I will never forget Mrs. Denton. She was such a fun, caring teacher! I had her in a class period while boys athletics was going on. We were an all girl class and had the best time. I know she truly cared for all of her students!
What a wonderful life well-lived by a beautiful, giving & serving woman. I didn’t know Rebecca personally, but my husband and I are good friends with her daughter, Debbie.
It’s very evident that she raised her daughter, to have so many of the same good, Christian qualities that she had.
Our thoughts & especially our prayers are with Debbie, her sister, brother, and the rest of the family. May God bring them comfort and peace as they go through this sad and painful time.
Rebecca was definitely a beautiful christian woman!!! I have vivid memories of her in her element at Pettijohn. She is the one I give credit to on teaching me how to do a front dive in the concrete swimming pool at Pettijohn. Your mom was a special person and blessed so many. She raised 3 beautifully talented Christian children that she loved dearly!! I’m praying for you as you mourn the loss of your mom but truly hope you can celebrate her because of the blood of Jesus. What a blessing to know that you didn’t lose your mom because you know right where she is….. heaven. Love you all.
Kami Tugman Wright
What a talented, amazing your mom/grandmother was! Prayers over all of you, and especially over our Debbie, as you honor her memory.
Glenn & Susan Griffith
Mrs. Denton, “Debbie’s mom,” was always so full of fun and always had a sparkle in her eye. She raised the most wonderful children which is a testament to the wonderful woman she was! Love to all the family, Amy
Debbie,Tammy and Randal you have my deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Rebecca. I’m so blessed to have been able to know her, care for her, love her and gain wisdom from her. I will forever carry it my heart! She will be truly missed but will live on forever through each of you. May God give each of you peace and strength that surpasses all understanding! She’s gain her wings and no longer has to be in pain. Praying for you and the family!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rebecca’s family. She was a special lady. My son took swimming lessons for several summers with her. She would always ask about him when I would see her.
My heart is so saddened to hear this news today. Rebecca was a one of a kind lady who truly made the world a better place. To Debbie, Tammy, and Randall – you are in my prayers.
Psalm 116:15 – “ Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
God bless you, Rebecca!
Debbie, thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your precious mother. Many are praying with you and for you.
Precious Debbie, Tammy and Randal, know that we love you and are praying for your loving comfort. Such a wonderful woman! You are blessed ?
Rebecca was such a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie, Tammy and Randal. So many fond memories of your mama!
Prayers! What an incredible woman!
I just loved your Mom. I first got acquainted with her when Carl took swimming lessons. I guess it has been around 40 years
We did a lot of things together. She was beautiful, smart and a godly lady. Prayers
To the family of miss Denton hite u got my blessings a great lady and the Hites also
I did not know Rebecca passed away until today. I knew her well when I lived in Collinsville. I worked at the library and also was the president of the Texas Federated Women’s club and the Collinsville Texas GFWC. Rebecca was an inspiration to me and I admired all her many attributes. I left Collinsville in 2016 to come back to Florida. Many regrets to see of her passing. My regards to her children..