Doris Jean García Smith was born on July 18, 1935, to Nelson García and Ruby Lee (Hollins) García in Alief, Texas. Doris spent her formative years in Bellaire, Texas, before the family relocated to the Riceville community. She began her education at Braes Bayou Elementary School, attending through the 5th grade, and later transitioned to Blackshear Elementary School for 6th grade. Doris completed her secondary education at Jack Yates Junior-Senior High School, where she attended from 7th through 12th grade and proudly graduated. Post-graduation, she pursued her artistic talents, creating murals that once adorned the tunnels of Downtown Houston.
Affectionately referred to as “DiJean” or “Aunt DiJean” by her family, Doris had a radiant spirit that would illuminate whenever she was called by her loved ones.
Doris embraced Christianity at an early age, being baptized by Rev. T.E. Spiller at Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church, solidifying her unwavering faith.
On September 28, 1956, Doris married her soulmate, Royce Ray Smith, in a double wedding alongside her brother and his bride. As a devoted wife and mother, she and Royce were blessed with four daughters, though tragically, their eldest daughter passed during childbirth. The family began their journey in the Riceville community before moving to Sunnyside and eventually settling in the Andover community of Houston.
While balancing the responsibilities of raising her family, Doris undertook several part-time jobs, demonstrating resilience and dedication. She eventually discovered her passion as a retouch artist, a career she embraced for over three decades at Hagio Photomurals.
Doris and her husband valued a well-rounded life, fostering a love for travel, exploration, and creativity within their family. Together with their children and grandchildren, they ventured across various states, creating cherished memories and unforgettable adventures. Known for her warm demeanor and gift of connection, Doris never met a stranger. Her knack for conversation often revealed unexpected ties to mutual acquaintances. Additionally, she was the family historian, preserving and sharing stories and insights from generations past.
In her adult years, Doris was steadfast in her service to Christ, embracing her role as a pastor’s wife at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church and later as a dedicated member of Christian Faith Baptist Church, where she served until her passing. Her service included roles as a Sunday school teacher, musician, and choir member, all of which reflected her deep faith and commitment to her community.
Doris lived her life with dignity, guided by her personal mantra: “Decent and in Order.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Ruby García; her daughter, Rhonda; her sister, Ora; her brothers, Nelson, James, Edward, and Marion; her granddaughter, Brandy; her great-granddaughter, Cydnie; and her son-in-law, Javan.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, survived by her devoted husband, Royce Smith; her daughters, Carla, Colleen, and Collette; her sister, Ruby (Herman); her brother, Charles (Betty); her grandchildren, Jeremy (Antoinette), Jeffrey (Lynette), Kelden (Shermanda), Corey (Xavia), Brittney, Brandon, Courtney, Amber, and Treylon; 17 great-grandchildren; a beloved niece, Andrea (Warren); a special nephew/cousin, James; and a multitude of extended family and dear friends.
