After graduating from Collinsville Central High School in 1934, Dorothy attended business school in Tulsa and worked for a short time in the insurance industry. In 1936, she married Earl Worstell, son of Albert Isaac and Edna Mae DeFoe Worstell of Collinsville. Earl served as Mayor of the City from 1955 to 1963.

As a charter member of the Collinsville Community Church, Dorothy sang in the choir for many years and belonged to the church quilter's group. Dorothy is a former member of
the Home Representatives Club. She has been an active member of PEO Chapter X for over sixty years and continues to participate in a local bridge group.

In her civic duty, she was instrumental in assisting Earl, who at the time (early 1940's) was a member of the Collinsville School Board. As the story goes, Mr Wilson, who was seeking the position of school superintendent, came to the house for an interview with Earl, who was too ill at the time to hold the interview. Dorothy, in his stead, visited with Mr. Wilson. After his departure, she advised Earl to "hire this man and his wife." And so it is that the Wilsons influenced the lives of thousands of Collinsville students throughout their tenure.

Dorothy's four children will be present to celebrate her 90th birthday: Carol Christopher of Tulsa; Frances Downing of Kailua, Kona, Hawaii; Earl Worstell, Jr., of Houston; and Mike Worstell of Collinsville. She has nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.