Dolores Fuller

How I can I follow the beautiful tribute paid by Vicky Fletcher who had the honour & pleasure to see, work- and no doubt hug - Dolores in person...?
 
Sadly Dolores and I did not meet ( I live in London, UK); but somehow - by my taking the step to reach out and surprise her with the first of several art tributes I created - our hearts met. I was so thrilled to hear from this lady who I saw as this glamorous Hollywood legend - whose smile and tenderness just shone from the screen- particularly in her many latterday interviews; preserved forever on film.

When I incorporated her glamorous image into a group cartoon tribute to legendary Hollywood Ladies of the Golden Age; she was humbly overwhelmed and delighted...to me she was an equal to all the legends around her.

Her blonde beauty inspired me to paint an iconic Expressionist tribute in oils; which again she appreciated; noting the Fine Art side of my work.

Dolores was always busy, always enterprising- it was like she would live forever - and so I understood, with the pace of life for us all, when I did not hear from her.

However her openess of heart when she wrote expressing her grief at the loss of her son Darrel ( I could sympathise having lost my mother tragically at the age of 16) and about her health was deeply touching.

In 2003 I had created a cartoon tribute celebrating her career as actress and songwriter (shown here in the Gallery) & after many months not hearing a word, I wrote with concern that she was well; and hoping that the 'original' art work had got to her.

Dolores was full of apologies saying that she had asked Phil to write & thank me - & yes indeed she had got it; had had reproductions printed and had been signing them at film conventions! Ever the trouper!

Dolores worked hard and had true star quality - her sincerity and vulnerabilty shone out. Heaven is even brighter now; and she leaves a legacy of starlight.

My deepest sympathy to Phil and her family & friends...& the fans she never forgot.

My name is Vicky Fletcher.

First, may I extend my condolences to the immediate family of Dolores Fuller—to her beloved husband Philip Chamberlin; her son Don Fuller and family; and grandson Tommy Fuller and family.

Dolores is and always will be my dear friend, and was manager of my singing career.

Dolores was one of a kind, Her first career as a beautiful, accomplished actress was followed by a successful career as a song lyricist. She collaborated with composer Ben Weisman and music publisher Freddy Bienstock of Carlin Music and Carlin America to write eleven hit songs for Elvis Presley and other hit songs for well known recording artists. Dolores loved show business. Her legacy as an actress and lyricist made her a legend in Las Vegas, her longtime home. She will be remembered for her beauty, her smile, her cheerful, friendly eyes, and her success on this earth.

Philip Chamberlin, her loving and adoring husband of 23 years, was always there for Dolores. Philip and Dolores worked together endlessly and collaborated with Stone Wallace to complete her personal autobiography, A Fuller Life: Hollywood, Ed Wood, and Me.

Dolores had two sons she adored, Don and Darrel Fuller. Don, the older, is married to Gwen and has a daughter Shannon, son Michael, and step-daughters Trishia and Katie.

The death of her younger son Darrel in 2004 devastated Dolores. Darrel and his wife Penny had one son, Tommy, who was 12 when his father passed away. Dolores felt very close to her grandson Tommy, who looks so much like his father.

Now that Dolores is in the heavens I can imagine her with the angels, meeting all her friends, and arranging a grand reunion while singing her songs with Elvis.

In closing, let us remember Dolores in this passage:

Sorrow passes quickly, once we truly understand.
The flower Dolores that once was is now held in God’s hand.

Let us join together and say a prayer: Our Father who art in Heaven

My deepest condolences.

 

Lyrics by Dolores Fuller

Some people think that pot of gold
Is all they ever want to hold;
But there’s a treasure, I think more of:
Measure for measure, I’ll take love.

Some people think that their success
Is all they need for happiness,
But there’s a pleasure, I think more of:
Measure for measure, I’ll take love.

Pound for pound, oh yeah, and ounce for ounce,
Love is all that really counts.
So let them have their wealth and fame;
Eat caviar and drink champagne.
You’re all the treasure I’m dreaming of: 
Measure for measure, I’ll take love.