Harriet "Dee Dee" Darlene Dunlap

DeeDee was born on September 16, 1937, to the late Harry and Velma Dunlap.

Growing up, DeeDee had a love of horseback riding and aspirations of becoming a professional golfer.

After falling victim to polio in her teens, DeeDee received extensive residential therapy at a polio rehabilitation center in Gonzales, Texas. At that time, her parents were informed that DeeDee would be wheelchair-bound for the rest of her life. However, with much resolve, DeeDee set out to prove that she would accomplish the impossible feat of walking again– and did just that. For decades DeeDee was able to walk with the aid of crutches. With her can-do and never-give-up attitude, not only did she walk, but she was able to drive her own car, attend college, cook family meals (including Thanksgiving), care for her home and garden, visit friends, play full rounds of golf, and travel extensively throughout the United States.

Graduating from UNT (formerly North Texas State University), DeeDee then taught art and science at J.L. Long Junior High in Dallas ISD until retirement. Throughout her 26 year career, DeeDee was a friend and mentor to countless students and staff, many of whom remained lifelong friends.

DeeDee maintained her own home with acreage in Arlington, Texas, complete with large garden, pond with fishing dock, swimming pool, and horse barn.

DeeDee had a myriad of interests, including anything art or adventure. She loved classical music, crafting fine custom jewelry, sculpting, woodworking, playing golf, gardening, traveling, and rooting for her Dallas Cowboys. She loved God and attended church while she was able.

Lovingly caring for her cats (Allie Cat, in particular), dogs, horses, ducks, and other critters, transferred into caring for her students, friends, and especially her family. DeeDee’s heart was big enough for everyone. Her nieces and nephews were always welcome at her home, whether just to visit or to stay awhile. The great-nieces and nephews were delighted by scooter rides with DeeDee inside her house, as well as golf cart rides outside. She was always available for family, whether for advice, encouragement, or just to listen. She was a much-admired and loved sister, aunt, friend and neighbor.

After retiring from teaching, DeeDee and her beloved longtime friend, Barbara Taylor, moved from Arlington to Saginaw, Texas, to be nextdoor neighbors to their close friends Irene Norman and Lee Foster. As the polio returned and her mobility was declining, DeeDee moved to her nephew Kyle’s home in Fort Worth, where she enjoyed fishing and life at the lake. The polio continued to progress, and DeeDee moved into assisted living in SW Fort Worth and, then, eventually to Stonegate Care Center in Fort Worth. She never stopped making friends wherever she resided. Combating her lifelong health challenges, DeeDee never complained and never stopped caring about others. She inspired any and all she met.

DeeDee was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Velma Dunlap; her sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Tony Price; and her dear friends, Barbara Taylor and Helen Hale.

DeeDee is survived by her brother, Al Dunlap and wife Janis; niece Kelly Price Puls and husband Kelly; nephews Kyle Price, Brian Dunlap and wife Barbara, and Todd Dunlap; great-nieces Boston Price, Laura and Anna Dunlap; great-nephews Thomas Dunlap and Knight Price, son of Carey Jo Mankin; beloved cousins; and dear friends Irene Norman, Leticia Rodriguez, Carolyn Cody and Cad Dennehy, and Monty Tomlinson and Brenda Miller.

Memorial service will be held at Keller United Methodist Church, 1025 Johnson Rd., Keller, TX 76248, Saturday, September 16th, at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.