Grace Dobson has been part of Texas history since 1950, when her husband, Harmon Dobson, established the first-ever Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. After Harmon’s tragic death in a plane accident in 1967, Grace united her family and became the head of the thriving Whataburger enterprise.

With the help of skilled managers and leaders, Grace led Whataburger through unprecedented growth, allowing her to prioritize philanthropic efforts both personally and with the company. Grace soon became a philanthropic figure throughout South and Central Texas due to her generosity. In her later years, she was often called “Lady Grace” for her compassion, kindness, and gentle spirit.