Doris Dawn Norwood

Doris Dawn Norwood (nee Morries), 96 (2 weeks short of her 97th), passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas, after a short illness. Doris was born on August 24, 1927 in Heidenheimer, Texas to parents Lloyd and Mildred Morries. She was the second child in a family of 6 children. Her oldest brother, PFC Glen Wallace Morries died in 1944 while serving in WWII.

In addition to her parents and older brother Doris is preceded in death by her beloved husband, OS (Boot) Norwood (2016) and sister, Judy Harvey (2015).

Doris leaves behind her two sons, Wallace (Lisa), Jeffrey (Brenda), grandsons, Zachary, Gregory (Gaby), Alan (Julie), Nicholas (Kristen), Matthew (Hilary), ten great grandchildren, three siblings, Curtis Morries (Margaret), Phil (Skippy) Morries (Margaret), Joy Travis, sister-in-law Dorothy McAlexander and four nieces and one nephew.

Doris grew up in Temple and was a graduate of both Temple High School and Temple Junior College. She was employed in the administrative department at the VA Hospital in Temple for decades.

During the late 1940s Doris met the love of her life, Boot Norwood Jr. via her future father-in-law who played match maker after he sold Doris a car. In 1947, she and Boot Jr. were happily and forever married. In 1956, they proudly became parents of a son, Wallace Scott followed by the birth of their second son, Jeffrey Brian in 1960.

Doris’ life was centered on Faith, Friends, and Family. Faith was essential to her. She served and honored her Lord as long as she was physically able, with daily Bible study, faithful Memorial Baptist Church attendance, and assisting with vital Church events.

Friendships were very meaningful and she had many. Practically anyone who met her was quickly drawn to her, and just as quickly realized how loyal and caring a friend she would be. The friends were treated like family, and she loved spending time with them. Trips were taken, weekly dinners were mandatory, ballroom dancing was frequent, phone calls were long and detailed, and the monthly study and retirement club gatherings were always on the calendar.

Family was especially important to Doris. She was the North Star, the Rock, the Anchor, the Go to Person, the One who made things all better. She was never more than a phone call away from anyone, and everyone knew that and felt reassured because of it. She took care of her dying parents’ needs, and extended that care to her younger siblings, by giving them support and a place to call home when they had none. She loved to host large family holiday gatherings, and would always prepare everything herself, attending to the tiniest of details. Her home would always feel welcoming, warm, comforting, and safe. She made it so.

Boot and the Boys were the greatest priority in her life. It was they who provided her the most enjoyment, sometimes the most concern but always and unequivocally the most pleasure. She adored them, and steadfastly helped them weather life’s bumps and bruises, and equally helped them celebrate life’s joyful events. And, as Wally and Jeff became adults, with families of their own, Doris’ delight in and love of grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her solace and peace, especially after losing her beloved Boot.

Doris was indeed the revered and respected Matriarch of her family, and she will be forever loved, forever remembered and forever deeply missed.

In recent years, her sister Joy was a comfort to her and helped her stay in her home as long as was possible. Visiting Angels in Temple and Boerne provided excellent care for Doris until she was relocated to Silver Star Home Care where she again received compassionate care until her death.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Memorial Baptist of Temple Texas.

Proverbs 31:31

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.”

Visitation will be at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home Friday, August 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Doris’s celebration of life will be at the Memorial Baptist Church in Temple, Texas on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

The Visitation will be at 9:30 AM with a funeral will follow at 10:30 AM.