Ione (Onie) Masterson Doggett passed away on Monday, November 20, 2006 in Houston, Texas. She was a proud descendant of some of the pioneer families of Houston, among them the Allen brothers and Judge Harris Masterson (her beloved grandfather). She was born in Houston on February 26, 1927, to Henry Birdsall Masterson and Ione Peden Masterson (Leslie). Onie went to The Kinkaid School in Houston. She attended George Washington University in Washington, DC, and The University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and presented as an Allegro Debutant in 1947. She had a loving heart for all animals with a special lifelong interest in birds, dogs, and horses. She and her husband found great thrills in breeding and racing thoroughbred horses for a period in the 70's and early 80's. She also showed miniature horses during the 90's. She adored dogs - the bigger the better. Her favorites were Great Danes, especially her beloved Harley and Hailey. She was an avid amateur photographer and her photos covered the walls of her home. After she was widowed she embarked upon a project to photograph all of the courthouses in Texas. Although health issues had slowed her down the last few years, she was always ready to jump in the car and see what lay around the next bend in the road. Her joie de vivre left a lasting impression on all those who knew her. Onie was a member of St. John the Divine where she was a lay reader. She also was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Houston and an enthusiastic supporter of athletics at The Kinkaid School. Her love of animals led her to be a docent at the Houston Zoo. Onie married the love of her life, Vernon Gene Doggett, on July 29, 1949. Their marriage was filled with laughter, children, animals, travel, and adventure. It ended with his death on April 11, 1984. Her parents and sister Stella Ann Masterson also preceded her in death. She is survived by her children: Stella (Weezie) Doggett Fitzhugh and husband Jim of Abilene, Vernon Gene Doggett of Hamilton, Texas, Onie Doggett Plummer of Houston, and William Leslie Doggett and wife Ann of Houston. Her loving grandchildren, to whom she was their fun "Mama D", are Peden Fitzhugh of Los Angeles, Jonathan Plummer of Houston, William Doggett of Austin, and Amy Doggett of Houston. Onie also leaves behind many cousins and friends, all of whom will miss her laughter and love. A memorial service is planned for ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 24th of November at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston. A private burial service will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Memorial gifts should be made to St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX, 77019 or to the Houston Zoo, Inc., P.O. Box 4759, Houston, TX, 77210 to honor Onie's lifelong devotion to the church and love of animals.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Nov. 22, 2006.