Doris Laverne Skidmore Snell, age 92, of Tyler, Texas passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. She was born on Tuesday, October 13, 1931 in a dog run house on a farm outside of Clarksville, Texas bordering the Red River, to Jess and Myrtle Skidmore. This was her favorite place on earth, as she referred to her time living on the farm as the "truly good 'ol days."
Doris was the 4th of 5 girls. The story goes that "Daddy wanted a baseball team of boys, but when the 5th girl came along he conceded that was not meant to be." There was no running water and no electricity, but they didn't realize what they were missing. With sisters to play with and share the hard work and long days, Doris had a wonderful childhood that she spoke of often.
In the early 1960's, she moved to Tyler, Texas and took a job at Sledge's Clothes Manufacturing. Her first and last job outside the home. Doris soon met Richard Snell, and the rest is history. They enjoyed many years together with their shared faith worshiping at Southern Oaks Baptist Church and Doris tagged along to the baseball games that Richard enjoyed. The members of Southern Oaks were so precious to her. She loved sending each one in her department cards for every occasion throughout the year. The members of the church were truly an extended family for both of them.
Doris also enjoyed creating all kinds of art. She was an expert seamstress, and upholstery person. Many hours were spent crocheting or creating art with refurbished objects. She could see beauty in the smallest item, "if you put it with something else." She once created a rendition of a peacock on black velvet. This was completely made with Styrofoam egg cartons cut into pieces resembling feathers and then scoring the feathers with a fork. It is so unique and pretty hanging on the wall.
Aunt Doris was the sweetest little person to every one of us. Always making sure everyone was okay and praying for each of us. She will be lovingly remembered, and deeply missed by her family and friends.
Doris is preceded in death by her parents; and loving husband, Richard Snell; sisters, Faye Robinett, Bernice Cooksey, Margaret VanDeaver, and Mary Crook.
Doris is survived by her great-niece, Sherry Holmes; great-great-nieces and nephews, Travis (Bethany), Alex, Amanda (Michael), and Spencer (Hope); great-great-great-niece, Alaina; great-great-great-nephew, Andrew; along with many other nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Park Place Nursing Home and The Hospice of East Texas for taking such good care of our sweet Aunt Doris.
Donations in Doris' memory may be made to CASA for Kids of East Texas; and Smith County Animal Shelter, Tyler, Texas.
A time of visitation for Doris will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life beginning at 3:00 pm. A private graveside will occur at a later time.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tylermemorial.com for the Snell family.
