December 19, 1931 - June 11, 2022
Dorothy (Dorey) Sherman Schmidt, of Loveland, Colorado, formerly of Lubbock, Wimberley, and Edinburg, Texas, was born December 19, 1931 and died June 11, 2022. She was a “preacher’s daughter,” a partner in more than 66 years of marriage, a parent of four, pedagogue and professor, poet, playwright, publisher, painter, philanthropist, and friend.
Preceded in death by husband, Robert, and her parents, Gladys and the Rev. Val Sherman, her three brothers, Robert (Sara) Sherman, Lloyd (Marjorie) Sherman, Bill Sherman, son-in-law Kevin Christopher, and other close relatives and friends, Dorey is survived by son Richard (Penny) Schmidt; daughters: Kathryn (Walt) Oler, Jan (Ed) Dean, Karyl Christopher; grandchildren Michael (Rachel) Schmidt, Derrick (Susannah) Schmidt, Anna (Alex Meyer) Oler, Robert (Elisa Bierschenk) Oler, Kalysa Christopher; and great-grandchildren Shelby, Matthew, Abigail, Jeremiah, and Astoria Schmidt and Philippa Meyer; sister-in-law Rosemary Sherman, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She lovingly encouraged her children. grandchildren, and g-g’s to follow their dreams. Dr. Schmidt also claimed many of her students as “children of her mind and soul.”
Born in Comfort, Texas, Dorey lived in numerous South Texas towns, including San Saba, Robstown, Del Rio, and Edinburg, where she graduated from high school and attended the local college. Following her marriage in 1950, she combined partnering and parenting with teaching and further study, culminating in a Ph.D. in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. She attained a full professorship at the University of Texas-Pan American, where she taught English, American Literature, Women’s Studies, and Creative Writing for nearly thirty years. As a Fulbright Roving Lecturer, she spent one year of service with the Royal Ministry of Education in Norway (1992-93). She established the University Press at UT-PA in 1980, and served as faculty sponsor for GALLERY, an award-winning student arts publication, as well as founding and editing the professional literary journal, riverSedge. After retirement, she continued a small independent publishing business of her own, Double SS Press, until 2004. She was an editor and “book doctor” until her death.
A playwright/producer/director, Dorey created drama from skits to full-length musicals (STAR OF THE HILLS, FIT), reveling in the multi-genre format of the theater. She founded and directed two senior acting troupes, Soup’s On Troupe in Lubbock, TX, and Autumn Actors in Loveland, CO, during her later years.
As an active and involved citizen of each community in which she lived, Dr. Schmidt served on, and/or chaired, the boards of schools and non-profit organizations, including the American Culture Association, St. Matthews Episcopal School Board, Wimberley Institute of Cultures, WISD Interim School Board, The EmilyAnn Theatre, Arts From the Heart, Wimberley Players, The United Methodist Church, The Wimberley Valley Arts League, West Texas Watercolor Society, Thompson Valley Art League, and various arts organizations. “Behind the scenes” contributions included writing publicity releases, grant requests, and research projects, and editing newsletters for these groups.
Writer, painter, partner, parent, playwright—Dorey Schmidt viewed life as an unfolding adventure, facing each challenge as a new opportunity to solve problems and to create.
