I was very young when my much loved brother brought Doris into our family. What a blessing that turned out to be for the Parrish home!

I just remember thinking she was beautiful. She stood tall and regal, dressed fashionably with her hair in an updo! She was a beauty!

My first impression was never proven false. For she was a beautiful soul. One to pattern after. She freely gave of herself. She fed the multitudes and smiled while doing it. She bargain shopped endlessly and shared all of her great finds.

At our family gatherings I confess I got tired of doing dishes behind her endless "new recipe" escapades! But I sure did enjoy all the results! She introduced us to Tex-Mex tacos. I still make them just the way she taught us. And my thoughts always go to Doris Juanita MY sister-in-law. 

No one said my name like she did! She would hold out the last syllables with such affection, flash her sweet smile and give a hug. She will surely be missed in our family. She brought us such warmth and laughter.

From a little sister's point of view my brother Ray could do no wrong. To him today I say, "you outdid yourself by bringing us The Best of the best"!

When we were kids Doris lived across the street (Hwy. 167) in Pumpkin Center, north or Jonesboro. Mr. Anderson the bus driver turned around at my house and the next stop was Doris and her brother Junior.  The Garlington's lived on the south side of Doris, Ware's north side, and Mrs. Edward directly across the highway, and we played together in her front yard many Summer days.  I still remember Mr. King driving up in his green Studebaker after work, in his white painters uniform, with his lunch box in hand. Her mother always had the best fresh baked cookies and Doris was good at taking more than allowed. Doris' personality was much like her parents, always kind, nice and made you feel welcome in their home.  In the pasture behind her house was a small pond we often played around or went swimming.  In 1957 schools would close for fairday, we went together, did the rides,  and tried to win a teddy bear with no luck.  I did not know until the class reunion, she lived with my Aunt Marteal and Martin Gray in San Antonio only to meet Ray.  This is alot of trivia her kids my enjoy reading, but the bottom line, she was a nice person, with a beauitful face, and always with a smile.

While it may have been years between our visits, the second we saw each other again, it was like seeing a wonderful old friend.  Doris was the brightest of stars among the heavens and my heart aches for Ray and ALL the family. Her sweet (and occasionally mischievous) personality and gentle nature are perfectly evident in her children and grandchildren. I know Doris was fulfilled by her children and grandchildren, her wonderful marriage to Ray, her service and commitment to God and to her Church family. God bless you all during this difficult time.