Obituary of Doris Jean Smith

The day was as beautiful as she was, and heaven shined as bright as ever on the morning of February 2, 2021 as the Lord above called a precious angel home. Doris Jean Smith of La Porte passed away peacefully on that Tuesday morning, surrounded by her loving family. Born July 25, 1933 in Hardin, Texas to Mildred Moore and Garnie Ayers, Doris lived her 87 years crafting a life full of love and nurturing. A matriarch in every sense of the word, Doris began planting her family garden at a young age. Blessed with three children, four step-children, sons and daughters in-law, 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and so many friends who became family by virtue of her love—she was proud to call you one of her own—regardless of where you came from. Those who had the privilege of knowing and loving Doris, know that she always carried an aura that felt like home. Whether it was her selfless nature, the way she held her grandbabies, the love she put into a home-cooked meal, the tenderness of her hugs, or simply the light in her smile, she always had a graceful way of showing how much she cared. To say that Doris was talented does not scratch the surface. A professional seamstress, a commissioned painter, a skillful gardener, an amazing cook, and even a gifted piano player—all merely simple gifts that always gave way to her life’s true calling; being the pillar of her family. Through thick and thin, Doris never wavered and never lost her faith. She knew the garden was never greener elsewhere, because it was greener where she watered it. Her family will miss their cornerstone, her children will miss their momma, her siblings will miss their loving sister, and her grandchildren will always miss their beloved “Honey.” Thank you for teaching us all how to walk with strength and grace, and most importantly, how to love abundantly. Doris is preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Carlos Smith, brother Billy Joe Ayers, step-son Harry Carlos Smith Jr., son-in-law Randy Murray, daughter-in-law Grace Robinson, great-grandson J.P. Lupher, and great-grandson Hunter Smith. Left to cherish her memory are her children, James L. Robinson, Cindy Cole and husband Sambo, Janelle Wright and husband Larry; her step-children, Michael Smith, Phillip A. Smith and wife Vicki, Timothy P. Smith and wife Barbara; siblings, Garnie R. Ayers and Diane Curtis; grandchildren, Michael, Cari, Amber, Kelly, Kaitlin, Luke, Jordan, Adam, Brett, Allie, Phillip, Bill, Jennifer, and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Conner D., Keira, Jace, Ace, Bella, Scarlett, Zakkary, Gavin, Huntley, Henry, Ella, Connor S., Colton, Ben, and Wyatt. Visitation will be Friday, February 12 at the Clayton Funeral Home in La Porte, Texas from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The service will be Saturday, February 13 at 10:00 AM in the Clayton Funeral Home Chapel with internment following at Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin, TX.