02/04/2026
Dorothy Kirkwood 89, of Beaumont, TX; passed Jan. 27, 2026.
Services are Saturday, February 07, 2026, at Douglas Memorial CME Church 1370 Ewing St, Beaumont, TX. Visitation will begin at 9AM until Funeral at 11AM. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery Beaumont, TX.
Dorothy Mae Kirkwood, a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and matriarch, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. Born in China, Texas, on April 11, 1936, Dorothy was the eldest daughter of Houston Fontenot, Sr. and Alberta Fontenot.
Raised in Beaumont alongside her eight siblings, Dorothy developed a lifelong love for learning and a relentless work ethic. Her professional journey began at Piccadilly Cafeteria, where she not only built a career but also met the love of her life, Carl Kirkwood. The two were wed on July 20, 1957, beginning a partnership that would span 44 years.
As Carl’s career as a chef took them to Grand Prairie and San Antonio, Dorothy remained by his side, eventually returning to Beaumont in 1974. A talented cook in her own right, Dorothy served as the "first cook" at Piccadilly for 36 years, where her desserts and side dishes became local staples.
Even after her formal retirement, Dorothy’s heart for service never wavered. She spent years as a caregiver for the Reeves family and was the epitome of a devoted daughter-in-law, providing tireless care and home-cooked meals for her mother-in-law until her passing.
Dorothy’s greatest joy was found in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a constant presence in their lives, nurturing them through the power of prayer and daily presence. Long before they entered a classroom, her great-grandchildren were enrolled in "Granny’s School," where Dorothy personally taught them their letters and sounds. She ensured they were prepared for the world with a foundation of love and literacy.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Carl Kirkwood; her siblings, Houston Fontenot, Jr., Geraldine Brewer, Robert Fontenot, and Daniel Fontenot, Sr.; her son-in-law, Gregory Celestine; and two grandsons, Gregory Michael Celestine and Zachary McNeil, Jr.
Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her two daughters, Era Celestine and Dianne McNeil (special friend, Joseph), both of Beaumont, TX. She is also survived by her three sisters, Laura Fontenot, Nancy Fontenot, and Margaret Chargois; and one brother, Ronnie Fontenot, all of Beaumont.
Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren: Eboni Pierre, Keisha Kirkwood, Darassa Wilridge, Iman Wilridge Zachere (Jamaal), and Zachary McNeil, Sr. (Lauren); and her 10 great-grandchildren: Morghan, Jadance, Marleigh, Harper, Samaya, Jonah, Audrey, Julienne, Zayne, and Zach III. She also leaves behind a "special son," Greg Shello, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her kindness.
Proctor's Mortuary - Beaumont, is in charge of final arrangements, 3522 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, TX. 77705 (409) 840-2022.The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com