Doris Ferguson Hanks

Doris Allene Ferguson Hanks, age 94, of Baker, Louisiana, passed away on October 9, 2026. She was born on June 29, 1932, in Grayson, Louisiana, to Ed and Cora Ferguson who bought their home on Sycamore Street, Baton Rouge in 1947.

Moving often as an Air Force wife while raising a family of four, she completed a Bachelor of Science Summa Cum Laude with two majors in history and psychology at Troy State University in Alabama. She taught in South Carolina and Florida before teaching (1979-1995) at Central Private School, Central, LA where she set up their membership in the National Honor Society.

Her life took a deeper joy in retirement with John. They danced weekly at the square dance club, The Castoffs, taught by Huey and Eloise Dufrene and Andy and Algie Petrie. They hosted music jams at their property and elsewhere with their musician friends. Doris gardened while John buzzed her from his airplane above, teaching the love of flying, and expanding their close circle with many special pilot friends. Chuck Gill (Marge) in particular, extended the friendship after John’s passing.

Doris leaves behind her sister, Cookie (Glenn), children Ron (Catherine), Judy, Jerri (Evan), and Bill (Paige); her grandchildren Jason (Anna), Gentry (Chris), Harper, John Jay, Jackie, Connor, Jackson (Anna Michele, expecting), Jordan (Joshua- wedding date November 14), and her first great-grandchild, Inez, and nieces Celeste (Jim), Kathy and Karen.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband John, brother Lloyd, and nephew Eddie.

Services will be private and announced at a later date.