Doris Gene Johnson

Doris Gene Wilkes Johnson took her last breath peacefully on December 11, 2020 as a result of complications from a fall. She was born in Dallas on September 10, 1931 to Stanley Ernest Wilkes, Sr. and Mildred Virginia Stroheker. The daughter of a Southern Baptist minister, Doris Gene grew up in Texas and Louisiana, attended Byrd High School in Shreveport, and graduated from Baylor University in Waco, TX. She met Paul Kemper Johnson at Ridgecrest Baptist Camp when she was 17 and they married in 1952. In 1965 Doris Gene, Paul, and their three daughters settled in Dallas. Doris Gene was an accomplished musician playing the piano and accordion in college and continuing to share the deep beauty of her piano playing with many audiences to the end of her life. She volunteered as a garden guide at the Dallas Arboretum, tour guide at the Old Red Courthouse, and teacher at Literacy Achieves. She was also an active member of NorthPark Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and playing the piano as a volunteer. Doris Gene and Paul welcomed countless friends into their home and considered them as family. Many of these adopted family members said their relationships with Doris Gene and Paul were life-changing. Doris Gene was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. Her warm smile and quick dry wit will be missed by all who knew her. Doris Gene is predeceased by Paul, her husband of 65 years, and granddaughter, Layne Rylander. She is survived by her daughters, Carole Rylander (Dale Rylander), Kaye Lynn Johnson-Shoucair (Ed Shoucair) and Jana Johnson (Kristen Rosselli); four grandchildren, Dean Rylander (Melanie Oge), Risa Rylander (Mark McGuinness), Aden Johnson-Shoucair and Jemma Johnson-Shoucair; one great-grandchild, Mabel Rylander; and a brother, Stanley Wilkes, Jr. (Carolyn Wilkes) in addition to 6 nieces and nephews and 13 grand-nieces and grand–nephews. In lieu of flowers, please remember Doris Gene with a donation to the NorthPark Presbyterian Church Music Program, P. O. Box 515454, Dallas, Texas 75251. (www.northparkpres.org/online-giving/donate/; go to General Missions & under notes indicate “NPPC Music Program in memory of Doris Gene”) A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later time.