Doris Chambers Hargraves
Doris Chambers Hargraves was born in a boxcar in Nancy, Texas, on May 12, 1925, to her parents, James Talmadge and Grace Best Chambers.
She spent her early childhood years in the Rockland, Texas area surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. When she was a young teenager, her father went to work for Humble Oil and the family moved to Goosecreek, near Baytown, where she also had many fond memories.
During her high school years, the family relocated to Tenaha, Texas, where her father owned several telephone exchanges. After graduating from Tenaha High School, Doris and her sister moved to Beaumont, for a short time, where she worked at the telephone company. Following the end of WWII, she moved to High Island where her father built the telephone exchange. It was there, in High Island, Doris was working in a café when she met the love of her life, Carl Hargraves, from Stowell. She told the story of their meeting many times, and would always say, when Carl walked in the café, he was “the prettiest thing I had ever seen.”
Doris and Carl eloped and were married on March 4, 1947. They moved to Stowell, where they raised four children. They were fortunate enough to renew their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary, in the presence of all their children and numerous other family and friends.
Doris loved her children dearly and was actively involved in all their activities. She was the mother that was always there for school parties, field trips, Den mother for Boy Scouts, just to name a few of her numerous contributions. She also was an early member of the Winnie/Stowell Methodist Church, where all her children were baptized. She deeply loved her Lord and the church, and served many ways, including Sunday School teacher, Bible School, MYF, and was there to help with any function. Church and school friends have commented numerous times, they cannot eat a chocolate oatmeal cookie, without thinking of Doris Hargraves. When grandchildren came along, she was equally involved in their lives, providing love and support at every opportunity.
The family has received numerous calls and texts from friends and family, reminding us of all the good memories they have with Doris, and recalling her many acts of service and kindness. It would take volumes to recount all the ways she touched the lives of her family, friends, and community.
During their retirement, Doris and Carl enjoyed many years of RVing with family and friends. They loved these times and were able to travel to many states across our country. Doris could recount travels in detail until the end of her life.
When she was no longer able to travel in the RV, she still loved to go, anytime, anywhere. Until her last days, just give her a call and she would load up in the car for some fun!
Carl died in 2007, and Doris remained in her home, where she lived independently, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
After a short illness, Doris died at her home of natural causes, on January 15, 2024. She was 98 and half years of age.
She is survived by her children; Carl A. Hargraves, Jr., (Caroline) Darlene Smith, Talmadge Hargraves (Rhonda), Gail Martel (Ricky), all of Winnie. Grandchildren, Carl A. Hargraves, III, Hank Hargraves (Daisy), Bradley Hargraves (Ashley), Kelly Hargraves (Hugh Patton), Lesli Mims (Billy), Carrie Hargraves (Todd Raffety), Dakota McFarland, Kevin Pamplin (Amanda), John Hays (Magen), Drew Hayes (Pam), Rachael Ortega (Danny), and Ben Jones(Megan); Great-Grandchildren, Kalaina, Major, Ivy, Rain, Kaylee, Lotti, Presley, Harper, Beckett, Emmaleen, Evie, Katherine, Sterling, Daisy; sister, Della Mae Hill; brother-in-law, Doyle Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hargraves, Sr.; parents, J.T. Chambers and Grace Talbert; sister, Dorothy Peddy; brother-in-law, Walter Peddy; brother, J.T. Chambers, Jr.; son in law, Kenneth Smith; and daughter in law, Cheryl Hargraves.
Our family would like to acknowledge our mother’s friend and caregiver Mathilda Tezeno, who went above and beyond to ensure mother was given the best possible care. Words can never express our gratitude for the love and comfort she provided.
We also want to express our gratitude to mother’s special friends; Michaelyn Gentile, who took such great care of her nails for many years and loved her dearly. When it became too difficult for Doris to go to the shop for nail care, Michaelyn would go to her home, and at the end, she even went to the nursing home for her final manicure. Also, Hilda Martinez was always kind, loving and willing to assist in any way.
Doris spent a short time in the Arboretum of Winnie, where she quickly became “Granny” to the entire staff. We appreciate all the wonderful care and love she received while in their care. Lastly, we want to thank Gentiva Hospice Care, they not only provided great care, but on the worst weather day of the year, arranged transportation to Doris’ house, to grant her final wish, which was to die at home.
All the children feel blessed beyond measure that Doris Chambers Hargraves was chosen to be our mother. We are comforted in the knowledge that she is rejoicing in heaven with her beloved Carl. We all know that she busted through the Pearly Gates triumphantly declaring, “here I am”!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1509, Winnie, Texas, 77665.
A gathering of Ms. Hargraves’ family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with her funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Her interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- January 20, 2024
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- January 20, 2024
- 3:00 pm
Interment
Fairview Cemetery-Winnie
- 213, Fairview Cemetary Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- January 20, 2024
Darlene you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you ❤️
Many prayers for all your family. What a lovely tribute to your beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I remember her as a lovely lady with a sweet smile. May our Lord comfort you and give you His peace.
Thank you so much.
My prayers are with all Mrs. Doris’s Family for Comfort and Peace. She was such a joy to be around. Everyone loved her.
Thank you!
Growing up , I was close to both Darlene and Carl. I have fond memories of slumber parties in the Hargraves home where I was able to see first hand what a beautiful mother Mrs. Hargraves was to all her children. The friendship that I cherish today with both Darlene and Carl is a true example of how their mother taught them to love people unconditionally…. What a legacy she leaves .. the same is true of their father . Sending love to all the family including Talmadge and Gail … as well as my prayers of comfort . ❤️🌺
Thank you Doris. She loved all of our friends. I DO continue to cherish our friendship.
Darlene So sorry for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Thank you
I grew up in the pink brick house next to the Hargreaves family. I am so sorry to hear of the death of Mrs Hargreaves and the pain the entire family will suffer for months to come. Keep her memories and funny stories close to heart and you will make it with the strength just like she had.
Thank you!
I am so sorry that I missed the visitation Darlene.
I knew your Mother from Bible study group and
Sunday School class, she will be greatly missed.
Sending Prayers for you and family.
Bernice
Thank you
Sorry for your loss, My mother, Sally Kane Merchant, will be 92 in February, we visited your mother a couple of years ago and had a wonderful visit. I miss the family reunions and being with you all.
Thank you
Although I was acquainted with her all my life, I never really knew her until we met at the nail salon several times later in life, She was truly a treasure. I wish we had talked more because it’s interesting for me because my first child, Brian, could have been born in a boxcar because we moved out of one just two months before he was born. I will always remember her! Prayers for the family!
Thank you!
A Beautiful Tribute to Your Beautiful Mother. Our Deepest Condolences to the Hargraves Family. Rest in Heavenly Peace Mrs. Hargraves.
Thank you
Talmage and Rhonda, so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious mother. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. Love you Saundra
Thank you
Your Mother had an interesting and full life and she raised some wonderful children. Yall pay great tribute to her and your Dad. My prayers are with you all.
Thank you
Gail and family, So sorry for you loss. She sounded like a Great mother! I will be thinking of you all and pray for you all during this difficult time. Love you all.
Thank you
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful mother. She will definitely be missed at all the parties & get together’s. We sure loved our Granny! Love & peace to you all.
Love,
Buddy & Debbie
Thank you
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful mother. She will definitely be missed at all the parties & get together’s. We sure loved our Granny! Love & peace to you all.
Love,
Buddy & Debbie
Such a beautiful tribute to your mother. She was, indeed, a sweetheart. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Wonderful tribute to your mom such large and caring family. May God be with each of you and comfort you in your grief..
Barbara and Don Spencer
Thank you
Our hearts are so sad for the loss of your dear mother. Her story is so sweet and interesting to read. She indeed was the matriarch of the Hargraves family, and she shall remain a blessed memory for all the lives she touched. Your family is fortunate to have had her so long. We love all of you.
Tim & Vicki Bauer
Thank you Tim and Vicki❤️
Love and prayers to all of the family during your time of sorrow. Love, Suzie and Kenny Ortego
Thank you
Such beautiful words for a beautiful lady. I know the entire family will miss her much. My thoughts, my prayers, and my heart are with the Hargraves family.
Thank you
Such a beautiful story of your mother’s life. I know all of you made her last years so happy. She adored all of you and I know the feeling was mutual. And I am confident that she had a joyful reunion with her husband. Hugs to all of you. She will be missed.
Thank you
Such a beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady
May God bless each of you…
Thank you