Dorothy Charlene Stewart Massey, a longtime Brownwood resident remembered for her devotion to family, faith, cooking and handmade crafts, died suddenly at home on Wednesday morning, Sept. 9, 2026. She was 89.
According to her obituary, Massey died in the arms of her husband, Miles Deck Massey. She was described as a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be sorely missed.
A life rooted in Brownwood and family
Massey was born Oct. 10, 1936, in Indian Creek, Texas, to Charles and Dorothy Stewart. The oldest of four daughters, she was named Dorothy for her mother and Charlene for her father, Charles. Her sisters were Joy Brooks, Linda Stewart, who preceded her in death, and Nancy Blackstock.
Although the family lived in Lamesa for a time, Massey spent most of her life in Brownwood. Her first job was in the billing department of the telephone company, where she began her working life before building a family with Miles.
The couple met on a blind date held on the evening of her sister Joy’s wedding. Miles was serving in the U.S. Army, and after an eight-month long-distance courtship, they married on Dec. 26, 1958, while he was home on leave. Their honeymoon was at Lake Brownwood before Miles returned to duty. Charlene joined him at Fort Lewis in Washington state two months later.
After Miles completed his military service, the couple moved to Mercury, Texas, where he had been raised. They later moved to Brownwood when the farm needed a second income. Massey became a full-time mother of three and later a grandmother of 10 and a great-grandmother of many.
Cooking, sewing and a working farm life
Family life for Massey included far more than the home. She drove a tractor, rode on the fender while Miles drove and helped with hay work by driving the hay truck and trailer. She also watched family members break horses, build fences, work cattle and haul hay, while caring for injuries from those activities.
She was known for strict household rules, frugality and an organized habit of saving, labeling and dating items. Her cooking became part of her legacy when she worked as a pastry chef at the Triple T Grill. Her fried fruit pies were a hit, while her pies and cakes were described as legendary.
Massey also sewed clothing for her children, wedding dresses, square-dancing dresses and quilts. She created dozens of dolls and made them extensive wardrobes. She loved to sing and spent many years with a choral team performing a cappella music for weddings and funerals.
She grew up attending Sixth Street Church of Christ, where her father served as an elder, and later belonged to Austin Avenue Church of Christ. The obituary also notes that she was an avid Bible reader for the final 40 years of her life.
Services planned in Brownwood
Massey is survived by her husband of 67 years, Miles Deck Massey; her children Roger Massey, Marlon and Betty Massey, and Mila and Frank Bravo; 10 grandchildren named in the obituary; and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home in Brownwood. A celebration of her life will follow Monday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel, 1914 Indian Creek Road, Brownwood, TX 76801.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to Cherokee Children’s Home, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832. Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood is handling arrangements.