“Her legacy of love, generosity, and service will live on through the many lives she touched,” her family said July 16 via Facebook. "Dolly’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her."
The full story
Dolly Gullo moved to Magnolia when she was seven years old and graduated valedictorian from Magnolia High School in 1948, according to her obituary. After graduating from college with a degree in education, she taught at Magnolia Elementary for 10 years.
Along with her husband, Dolly Gullo had a passion for tennis, and the couple donated the Gullo Family Tennis Center at Unity Park in 2014, her family said.
The Gullos also supported various charities, churches and schools around Montgomery County through Tony Gullo’s car dealerships and the founding of Gullo Christmas for Kids, a nonprofit that helps families in Conroe ISD during the holiday season, Community Impact previously reported. The Gullos also turned their 5-acre Magnolia home into a Christmas lights display during the holiday season.
In their own words
More than a teacher, Dolly Gullo was a second mother to Billy Masden, a former student who first met her in second grade. Over 55 years later, their bond had only deepened into family, Masden said.
“She was much more than just my second-grade teacher,” he said. “The whole family embraced me. I feel such a part of that family.”
Masden said she guided him not just in childhood but through life’s challenges, often offering wisdom without directly giving answers.
“She never stopped teaching,” Masden said. “She always led me to the path. When times were tough, she taught me that’s when you need God the most.”
Dolly Gullo spent time with Masden after school hours to help him overcome a stutter, supported him through personal loss and remained a presence in his life. When his mother passed, she told him, “You still got a mom.”
Though not always outwardly affectionate, their relationship was simple but unshakably deep, he said.
“Sometimes we’d sit in silence and just watch tennis. ... She loved tennis,” Masden said.
He said Dolly Gullo was a Godly woman who put others before herself and gave without expecting anything in return.
“She gave to be a blessing, and that's what they [her family] do, and that's the way the Bible has taught us, is just to be a blessing unto others,” Masden said.
Masden said her legacy of kindness, humility and service lives on in her children and grandchildren, who have each carried forward her quiet generosity in their own ways.
“It’s like kindness was inherited in that family,” Masden said. “They’ve embraced me like one of their own. ... They love this community just as much as their parents did. I’m not related by blood, but I’ve got no doubt I’m part of the family.”
Notable quotes
- “Dolly and the Gullo family have been lifelong supporters of our community. Precinct 2 is holding them in our thoughts and prayers,” Montgomery County Commissioner Charlie Riley said in a Facebook post. “Thank you for your generous nature. Thank you for living a life that lifted up everyone around you.”
- “It is with deep sorrow that the Magnolia Fire Department mourns the passing of Mrs. Dolly Gullo. ... Here at MFD, we will forever be grateful for Dolly and the Gullo family’s gift of our parade truck and rehab truck—both resources that help us serve and celebrate our community every day,” the Magnolia Fire Department said via Facebook.
- “We extend our thoughts and prayers to the Gullo family during this time of loss. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories, the enduring example of her faith and kindness and the countless lives she blessed through her unwavering service,” the Montgomery County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office said via Facebook. “We pray for peace and strength for the family, and that her spirit continues to inspire all who knew her.”
- “She was my mentor, my teacher, my mom, my friend. She was everything,” Masden said. “And she never wanted anything in return.”
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Foster's Home for Children or Gullo Christmas for Kids.
