Dorothy Mae Cartwright

In the early morning hours of February 5, 2025, Dorothy Mae Biggers Cartwright, at age 97, left her place on Earth and entered the gates of Heaven. 

Dorothy was born in 1928, to Willie and Jimmie Biggers at the Elgin Standard Brick Company community in Elgin, Texas. She was joined by her brother, James, three years later, and the family lived at the brickyard until they moved to a small farm outside of Elgin in the 1940's. Dorothy attended the Ramsey Community School for three grades and then the Elgin Independent School District. 

After graduation from Elgin High School, she worked at Camp Swift at the close of World War II and lived in Austin for a few years thereafter working at a downtown business and in the classified advertising department at the Austin American-Statesman. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Ewing E. Cartwright. They lived in the country until they purchased their home at 100 West Eleventh Street in the heart of Elgin in 1965 from the estate of Nell Owens. Dorothy lived there for her remaining years, enjoying her front porch and community activities. Her front porch was the source of many hours of visitations from people stopping to see her as they happened to pass and wanted to say “hi”. Dorothy always spoke her mind and was totally honest. The most common observation among her friends is that they always knew where she stood on a topic and never doubted how she felt. 

While raising her six children, she was active in the Women’s Missionary Union at First Baptist Church for over twenty years. It was there that she developed long-lasting friendships. Not only did they worship together, but also the ladies traveled together to Port Aransas, Fredericksburg, and other destinations. They formed a weight-loss group that involved meeting for lunches that did not seem like dieting to anyone else and electing Dorothy’s youngest child, Melodie, as their mascot. She treasured their time together, as she treasured time with her family. 

Dorothy served on the Elgin Independent School District Board of Trustees for nine years in the 1970's and 1980's. Dorothy was recognized by the Texas 67th Legislature, 1st Called Session, in 1981 with House Concurrent Resolution 34 for exhibiting the highest qualities of fairness, dedication, and concern for the public good, and as a well-known and respected resident of the community of Elgin. In this resolution, she was recognized as an outstanding school board member by the Texas School Board Association, and as an inspiration and example of fortitude, character, and Christian charity to her gifted children. She was acknowledged for her devoted service as mother and educator and for her farsighted encouragement of women in leadership roles. 

Dorothy assisted her brother with the operation of Stop ‘n Shop Grocery and Biggers Bar-B-Q from its start in 1965. She was well-known for her buttermilk pies that she made for years at the restaurant. This contribution was supported by her brother so that she would have some “mad” money. He always teased her that she couldn’t go wrong making 100% profit by using supplies “donated” by the grocery store! 

After the death of her brother in 1994, Dorothy operated the business until she sold the property to Meyer’s Sausage Company which continues to operate the barbecue restaurant today. Dorothy continued her brother’s project of renovating a historic downtown building across from the Depot Museum, and in 1997, The Bigger Inn opened as a bed and breakfast hotel, which she operated successfully for seven years. 

Of all these accomplishments, Dorothy’s greatest and most treasured prize was her family. She was a wonderful cook, preparing delicious and healthy meals every day while her children were in grade school. She also spent hours sewing for her girls, including their cheerleading and drill team uniforms. Dorothy loved her children fiercely and expected the best from each of them. She instilled in them a strong work ethic, self-reliance, and independence. She was devoted to their well-being and supported their personal and professional endeavors. She also maintained relationships with extended family members. Dorothy was blessed with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the family and enjoyed spending time with them on weekends, sporting events, and holidays.

Dorothy is preceded in death and joined in heaven by her parents, Willie and Jimmie Biggers, her beloved brother, James Biggers, her husband Ewing Cartwright, and her daughter-in- law Wendy Ott Cartwright, as well as many friends and family members.

Dorothy is survived by her loving children Deborah Cartwright; Janice Cartwright; Glenda Cason and husband Andy; Stevan Cartwright; Tami Leeper and husband Rick; Melodie Cartwright-Cardwell and husband Brad; her grandchildren Harrison Cason, Leigh Cason (Juan), Sam Leeper, Gus Leeper (Danielle), Rachael Leeper, Taylor Brenneman (Dennis); and great-grandchildren Lilly Leeper, Jaxon Leeper, Katerina Miles, and Nora Cason-Trujillo due in March. 

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to her medical team that showed such tender love and devotion in her final days. Thank you to Luann James with Lutra Home Health Services, the team at Trinity Hospice, and her special sitting companions Josie Paiz, Kim Allen, and Marina Reyna.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.

The Cartwright Family invites you to join us anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, as a time for family and friends to celebrate Dorothy’s life at Providence-Jones Funeral Home. 

A private graveside service will be held at McDade Cemetery.

Arrangements handled by Providence-Jones Funeral Home, Elgin, Texas, 604 N Highway 95, Elgin, Texas