Doris S Anderson

Doris was a devoted mother to four children: Deborah J. Edwards (deceased), Delores J. Anderson (deceased), Daryl A. Lott (deceased), and Rev. Caleb B. Anderson. She was also a loving sister, friend, educator, compassionate counselor, community leader, and lifelong advocate for excellence in education and civic engagement.

Doris accepted Christ at an early age. Affectionately known as Mother Anderson, she worshiped at New Bethel Baptist Worship Experience under the leadership of her son, Caleb B. Anderson. Where she faithfully served as the president of Women of Wisdom, whom she loved dearly.

A true servant leader, Doris dedicated her life to empowering others through education and service. She was a proud Lifetime Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., initiated in 1962 through the Alpha Lambda Chapter at Texas Southern University. She later served faithfully through the Gamma Sigma Chapter, where she embodied the sorority’s founding principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

As an esteemed educator within the Houston Independent School District (HISD), Doris inspired countless students and colleagues throughout her distinguished career. She taught Elementary Spanish and later served as a Counselor at Ben Brook Elementary and Kennedy Elementary, retiring after more than 40 years of dedicated service.

Her influence extended well beyond the classroom. Doris was a trailblazer in educational leadership, serving as President of the Houston Teachers Association from 1977 to 1992. In that role, she worked tirelessly to uplift teachers, advocate for educational excellence, and strengthen the profession. Among her many contributions, she developed a Handbook for HISD Teachers, a lasting resource and reflection of her dedication to the field.

Equally committed to community advancement, Doris served as President of the Heights Progressive Civic Club from 1993 to 2023, continuing her lifelong mission of civic engagement and neighborhood improvement. Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service left an enduring legacy in the Houston community.

Her wisdom and sense of justice also guided her service as a grand juror, another testament to her deep care for community and fairness. Doris’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and love, qualities that enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to know her. Her spirit will continue to inspire future generations of educators, leaders, and community servants.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Robert Stewart, Ruby Joyce Singleton, Arthur Stewart, Charlie Raymond Stewart, Hattie Mae Turner, Sandy Stewart, James Stewart, and Ruth Ann Wilson; daughters, Deborah Edwards, Delores Anderson, and Daryl A. Lott; grandchildren, Jason Winn and John Edwards; and great-grandchild, Hayden Holt.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her son, Caleb B. Anderson (Vanessa); siblings, Ida Mae Moody and Jeraldine Stewart Young; grandchildren, Andrew (Veronica), Nathan (Quiandra), Natalie, Gloria (Edward), Daniel (Yolanda), James (Erica), Valarie (Jerry), Joshua, and Amber; great-grandchildren, Tyrice, Rayne, Jade, Haylen, Daniel Jr., Nathan Lott II, Cristobal, Harley, Oleivie, Zylea, Adonis, Hendrix; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, sorority sisters, former colleagues, students, and all who celebrate a life so beautifully lived, and a legacy that will never fade.