Doris was born Christmas Day 1921 in Hillsboro, Texas to Garland and Ada B. (Gray) Turner. Her early childhood was spent in Bastrop, but she always called Austin her home. She finished her journey to meet her loved ones on December 6, 2018.
In 1942, after graduation from St. Mary’s Academy (1940), she married Charles Pershing Birden, a flight instructor stationed at Brady, Texas.
Returning to Austin after the War, they pursued several independent business and investment avenues. Doris maintained a commitment to volunteerism, serving the St. Mary’s Academy Alumnae Association and, later, the St. Michael’s School Development Board, as well as being a charter member of the Seton Northwest Auxiliary Volunteers.
Her interest in family and history led to many hours of genealogical research and proud membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and as a leader in the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Doris is survived by her daughter, Sheila (Robert David) Stallings and grandsons David Charles (Nikki) Stallings, Robert Christopher (Laura) Stallings, and Michael Patrick (Tiffany) Stallings, along with great grandchildren Parker, Lauren, Inara, Russell, Phillip, and Charley.
She was predeceased by her parents and brother Bobby Turner. Her husband, Charles, preceded her in 2009 after 67 years of marriage.
Visitation is on Wednesday, December 12, 4:30 - 6:30 at Cook Walden Chapel of the Hills; graveside will be beside Charles and family at the Turner Cemetery in Red Rock, Texas at 10:30 am, Thursday, December 13. Dr. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Erwin as well as Reverend Barbara McKnight will be officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are David C. Stallings, Parker D. Stallings, R. David Stallings, Michael P. Stallings, Robert C. Stallings, Randy K. Daugherty, Brent Rade, and Oscar Zamora.
The family wishes special thanks to her caregivers, including Deborah, Nora, Gloria, Tishara and Renate for the loving attention in her final days. Any memorial should be a gift to a charity of choice, and a hug for a loved one on her birthday, Christmas Day.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Birden family.
