Doris Jean Simmons Swaggerty

Doris Jean Swaggerty was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Doris was born on January 24, 1947 at General Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Willie and Lucy Simmons. Doris grew up in Los Angeles, California.

Doris was raised with two sisters, one deceased and three brothers, 2 now deceased. She had three older brothers, Major, R. D. and Willie and 2 older sisters, Daisy and Gladys. Doris was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Doris had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Doris was an active child who took part in dodge, kick and teter ball. She was also a Brownie Scout. In her spare time she liked collecting bottles. Doris' memorable achievements included saving money to buy things for her nieces and nephews. However, to Doris, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Doris had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Dominguez High School in 1965. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was History. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Swain. Doris will be remembered by classmates for being the best cheer leader.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Doris enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Jo-Rae Watson and Mary Robinson. Later in life, she became friends with Joyce Monk and Claudia Allen.

On June 21, 1966 she exchanged wedding vows with her first husband Willie Armstrong at home in Los Angeles, CA. Doris exchanged wedding vows with her second husband Tony Swaggerty on November 24, 1983 at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, NV. Empathic and loyal, Doris was committed to making her family happy.

Doris worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Doris was blessed with four sons, Michael, Reggie, Damon and Lonnie. Another blessing for Doris was the gift of five grandchildren, Kurtis, Paris, Sermario, Alexis and Moses.

Fortunately, Doris enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Doris worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was as a Loan Officer. She was employed for 15 years at Wonder Bread and also was a Day Care Center Owner as well as making creative gift baskets and a clothing store owner. Doris always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Doris enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were decorating and working in her garden. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Doris found pleasure in sports. In high school, Doris was a cheer leader. Recreational sports included jogging. Doris was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list was basketball.

Throughout her life, Doris was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Doris was a member of the Student Body Activities group. Throughout her later years, Doris was a team mother for children's sports activities.

Doris’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the Canyon Ridge Christian Church for 4 years.

Doris was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Patty a Rottweiler and Cinnamon a Chihuahua. They were best friends for 11 years and with Cinnamon for 3 years.

When Doris’s retirement finally arrived in 1995 from Wonder Bread and 2007 as a Loan Officer, she was well prepared. She retired in Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, she found new pleasure in gardening and counseling others. Even in retirement, Doris continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Doris was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Doris passed away on September 21, 2010 at her home in Las Vegas. She is survived by her husband, Tony; four sons Michael, Reggie, Damon and Lonnie; one sister, Gladys Looney; one brother R. D. Simmons (Carmen); five grandchildren Kurtis, Paris, Sermario, Alexis and Moses; one uncle Cleve Jackson, a host of nieces and nephews, two sister-in-laws Tracy Roberson and Sandy Bailey (Robert) and many, many friends. Services were held at Palm Mortuary Northwest. Doris was laid to rest in the Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Simply stated, Doris was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Doris leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Doris Jean Swaggerty.