Doris “D’Ann” Douglas
Doris “D’Ann” Douglas, 83, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Christus Southeast Texas-St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. She was born on May 5, 1941, to Hettie Alma Alexander James and Frank Burnis James, Sr., in Beaumont.
D’Ann had many interests and passions in life. Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless joyful moments. Most summers included a science “vacation” field trip. Her other love was education. She taught at Sallie Curtis Elementary for seventeen years and was involved in many innovative projects, such as Young Astronauts. Her class was even featured in National Geographic for her Space Tomato Project. She was also involved with educating educators through Johnson Space Center in Houston. After retiring from public school, she continued her love of education as the Director of JASON Alliance of Southeast Texas. Through JASON she was able to work with various local agencies, her favorite being The National Weather Service in Lake Charles. Throughout her time in the field of education, she was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. The award she was the most proud of was The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. D’Ann was also a vibrant member of the local community. She was one of the founders of the Beaumont Children’s Museum and was an active member of the Board of Directors. She loved her family, her friends, education, science, asking questions, learning new things, gardening and photography. Her presence will be missed by many.
Survivors include her husband, William “Bill” Douglas; daughter, Shannon Douglas Waits and her husband, Eric; grandchildren, Carson Waits, Monet Douglas, and Remy Douglas; siblings, Frank James, Jr. and his wife, Evelyn; Margaret Botch and her husband, Nick; John James and his wife, Melinda; sister-in-law, Janice James; and numerous nieces, nephews, students, friends, colleagues, and extended family through the years.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jack James and son, William James Douglas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Beaumont Children’s Museum, 701 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 give online.
A gathering of Mrs. Douglas’ family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A burial of her cremated body will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Magnolia Cemetery, 714 North Nellius Street, Woodville.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- September 14, 2024
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Celebration of Life
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- September 14, 2024
- 11:00 am
Burial of Cremated Body
Magnolia Cemetery-Woodville
- 715, North Nellius Street, Woodville, Texas, 75979,
- September 14, 2024
- 2:00 pm
Hearing this news with both sadness and certainty that D’Ann lived a full life of purpose. I loved hearing from her about her science summer trips with her grandchildren! What an amazing lady. Condolences to all of her family and friends.
I am heartbroken to have just learned of D’Ann’s passing. She was such a vibrant, incredible person.
Our friendship began when Shannon won the youth division of the annual recipe/cooking contest the Enterprise was still doing that during the early ‘80s. When I interviewed Shannon, she mentioned that she wanted to put her prize money toward buying a cockatiel.
I called D’Ann later that week with a bargain offer. My husband and I had our first child who was crawling around the house . . . and we had a large cage that contained two cockatiels. Scattered birdseed and crawling babies don’t mix.
I don’t remember the price we settled on, but it was just enough to excite Shannon. She became the “mother” of “Freckles” and “Patches,” and the owner of their huge cage and all the birdseed/food I had on hand. If I recall correctly, one of the birds was still alive after Shannon was an adult who had moved out of the house.
I know, by observation, D’Ann was a wonderful teacher. I have a daughter who just entered her 12th year of teaching and crossed her path several times.
May it comfort you all that this amazing woman made huge changes in the lives of so many children. What a blessing she was.
Bill,
I just became aware of your D’Ann’s passing. I am sorry for your loss. May the Peace of Christ be with You and Your family.
Thoughts and prayers during this time of loss and remembrance,, God Bless.
Rest in Peace, my friend. I think of you and many adventures in Science that we had over the many years back in the day. As the “Science Ladies”, our crew spread the love of Science to elementary and middle school students across Texas… You, D’Ann, Carol, Roberta, Wilma, Jo, Barbara, Janette, Marilyn, Cheryl and the others who enjoyed working, learning, teaching, and exploring together at some amazing places: UT Marine Science Institute, SeaWorld San Antonio, LCRA /McKinney Rough Research Center, TX A&M Galveston Campus, and others. The lives you touched D’Ann as a friend, colleague, team member, board member and role model you personified to students at all of science education have gone down in history; one can see that from the messages your former students are writing. The “Science Ladies” salute you!
There are times people will mention a teacher and the name just brings clarity. When the news of D’Ann’s passing reached me, I had that moment. Living more than a thousand miles from Beaumont, I find myself fondly remembering Mrs. Douglas when I pass by an elementary school garden, or when there is a mass news event for an eclipse or – to be honest – a rainy day where the forecaster might need some reminders of cumulus vs. cirrus when presenting in front of a green screen.
Mrs. Douglas was a gift to the countless students she reached, the city she called home, and to the scientific community where she thrived.
…
And if it’s not too much to ask, maybe try and have your new angel shuttle crew send one of those Young Astronaut shirts my way.
D’Ann was so vibrant-the kind of human (and science teacher) I aspired to be-she mentored even her peer teachers as part of TCES and was just a wonderful person. She will leave a huge gap. My condolences to her family and colleagues because she meant so much to so many!
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of D’Ann. She was a lovely person , terrific teacher and wonderful friend- we shared many great times as members of the Beaumont Children’s Museum Board- I heard many wonderful family stories especially about grand children and museum excursions,
She truly will be missed!
Sarah Matheny
My prayers are with all of the family. I know D’Ann will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️
To the family of D’Ann I am an old friend of hers from her Gulf State years employment. She was a special friend that made you feel special. She was a perfect example of a love for teaching. The kids had a special place in her heart. I will miss her and will pray for her family for whom she was so proud.
I’m heartbroken. It makes me very sad. This is all too real. She was a Mom figure and a stabilizing influence as I was friends with her children.
I’m so sorry. To all the family, I knew your mother as a parental figure and I liked very much coming to your home to spend weekends with her son and daughter. She was always up at the kitchen table and liked to chat with me while coffee was being sipped. I can’t tell you just how much this was a stabilizing memory for me. Also, the strength she had in going through some very hard things was a good look for many who knew her. We respected her. We liked her. We admired her.
D’Ann was such an inspiration in my career. I enjoyed working with her on CAST and mini-CAST conferences. She was my son’s 4th grade teacher.
D’ann helped me in teaching science. She always checked on me to make sure I was doing ok and to give an encouraging word. She spoke fondly of her family often. She was such an inspiration to me. Prayers to her family.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother….D’Ann was such an amazing lady. My daughter, Abby, was in her space tomato class! I enjoyed being her friend for years following. She was certainly one of Beaumont’s very best educators. Mindy Eisen
My deepest condolences go out to the family of D’Ann Douglas. I taught with her at Sallie Curtis Elementary School for many years. She loved to teach science and even sent tomato seeds into outer space and planted them upon their return. What a great experience for her students! She planted a garden with her students for several years, and they always knew that I would purchase all the radishes!!!!! Rest well now, D’Ann, your job here on earth is completed. Go plant some tomatoes in heaven.
I have such fond memories of Mrs. Douglas as the pocket lady at the Sallie Curtis carnivals
I worked with D’Ann at Sallie Curtis Elementary. She was an excellent teacher and had a love of science. I will miss her passing my house and waving. If she stopped, long conversations ensued. Her love of learning was a gift to all of her students. I’m sure they will remember her with the knowledge she shared and her love for her students. Condolences to her family.
Mrs Douglas was my son’s favorite teacher and mine as well!
Well done good and faithful servant.
. You have been a tremendous blessing to all including many children and teachers while at Sallie Curtis school!
D’Ann was a bright star who shined light on every person she touched. She helped thousands whether it be students, teachers (old and new), friends, neighbors. She left a hole too deep to fill, but what an impact she left on all of us who knew her. She loved others and we loved her! She will be sorely missed!
Our love and deepest condolences on the passing of D’Ann. She truly represents all that is good and beautiful in this world. May God bless and keep you today and through the difficult days ahead.
Shannon, Eric, Carson, Monet, Remy,
Sending love and sympathy for the loss of your mom & Gran. She was a second mom to me too a long time ago during college. She always had a quick wit & a love for alll things science. She will be missed. Love to you all, Susan Hiers