Doris S (Stokes) King

We celebrate the life of Doris who passed away in her home at St. Andrews Estates in Boca Raton, FL on July 25, 2020, at the age of 93. Doris King was born Doris Jean Stokes in Leesville, LA, July 6, 1927; the daughter of Seabourne Stokes and Erath Ada (née Price) Stokes.  She grew up in Port Arthur, TX and graduated from Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX.

Doris worked for the Texas Employment Commission (TEC) in Port Arthur and Beaumont, TX, for over 20 years, rising to the position of District Supervisor before retiring in 1989.  In her time there, she assisted many in need to find successful employment and helped local businesses and national chains to have the best staff possible. Her special joy was as a TEC trainer, traveling throughout Texas.  She often designed her own curriculum, sharing her experience and skills with other TEC employees.  Her courses helped employment locators and supervisors excel in serving the public.

After retirement Doris and her husband Lt Col (Ret.) Delbert H. King traveled extensively through the United States and Europe. Together they made forays into Mexico and fulfilled dreams of traveling to Hawaii and on cruise ships in the Caribbean and Alaska. She delighted in the fun of shipboard life, especially dining at the Captain’s table. She also enjoyed sailing on her husband’s sailboat, named The Colonel’s Lady for her.

Doris was a lifelong Methodist.  She grew up in the Methodist Temple in Port Arthur and moved her membership to the First United Methodist Church, Boca Raton, where she relocated in 2000. Throughout her life, she was devoted to her church and served as a lay speaker, Chair of the Administrative Council, and as a Stephen Minister.  For many years, she volunteered as a counselor for the United Board of Missions, a Port Arthur faith-based group serving those in need.

Doris loved to cook, especially Cajun cooking from her Louisiana and Texas roots, and enjoyed gathering family and friends around her table and on picnics.  Her creativity in the kitchen was legendary. Those who were lucky enough to dine on her versions of shrimp gumbo, brisket, guacamole, pecan pie and luscious apricot bars never will forget it!

Doris also loved fashion. As a young woman, she modeled for Sanger Harris and Revlon. Later in life she enjoyed modeling in fashion shows for charity groups.  She was ever expanding her collection of fashion items (especially shoes!) which was a source of pride.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt Col (Ret.) Delbert King.  She is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Carter of Linden, TX, Jana Tift of Boca Raton, and Elizabeth Ertman of New Providence, NJ. She is also survived by three sons-in-law, eight grandchildren living throughout the United States and Germany, and four great grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary care given to Doris at the end of her life by her caregivers, who improved her quality of life, and allowed her to remain in the comfort of her home. They also made her life more interesting and enjoyable in her final years, even paying attention to fun details like pizza parties, walks through the grounds at St. Andrews, and her three o’clock ice cream cone.

The family hopes to schedule a celebration of Doris's life when it is safe to gather.

Memorials in Doris’ name can be made to First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton

(https://onrealm.org/FirstUnitedMeth35690/-/give/DTUDAMBSDH),

Boca Helping Hands (https://www.bocahelpinghands.org/Donate),

or the American Association of Caregiving Youth (https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/48656/american-association-of-caregiving-youth/).

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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