Doris Wayne Diggs Gilmer

Doris Diggs Gilmer died peacefully August 29, 2011 at the Hospice of East Texas Home Place after a short illness. She was born in Wolfe City, TX to Ora Leon Diggs and James Wilburn Diggs on February 21, 1923. She married Joe Dowe Gilmer on November 27, 1939 and they were married 54 years.

Doris and Joe moved to Dallas where they lived and raised their 4 children until they were transferred to Tyler by the Borden Co. in 1964. She was a supportive, loving, and faithful wife and a wonderful mother. Doris was an exceptional home-maker, seamstress, and cook—well known for her pecan pies which she generously shared with family and friends.

An extremely gracious woman, Doris loved everyone and never met a stranger. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and friendly demeanor. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada, Las Vegas, and the beautiful Smokey Mountains. She frequently talked about her favorite trip: an Alaskan cruise with Joe and her sister and brother-in-law Helen and Jack Perkins. Her hobby was Texas Hold’em Poker and was happiest when playing cards with her children and grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, her mother and step-father C. H. “Trude” Latimer, brother Sammy Jo Diggs, sister Helen Perkins, son-in-law Al Graham and best friends Henry and Norma Fuller. She is survived by her children Shirley Gilmer and partner Linda Balatti of Dallas, Carolyn Browning and husband Cecil of Tyler, Robert Gilmer and wife Nancy of Killeen, Theresa Graham of League City and four Grandchildren: Jason Gilmer, Jennifer Ficke, Joshua Gilmer, Jeff Cross and eight great-grandchildren; sisters Ella Jane Thompson and Betty Duncan and brother-in-law Jack Perkins. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews who call her their favorite Aunt.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler. The funeral will be held Thursday, September 1 at 10:00 AM with visitation preceding the services. Burial will be at the cemetery in Wolfe City, TX.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Hospice of East Texas or the Tyler Salvation Army.

Arrangements under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas.