Doris Mae Debes

Obituary for Doris M. Debes, beloved Aunt to everyone who knew her . . .

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control . . .” – Galatians 5:22-23

Doris M. Debes, 95, of Beaumont, Texas, passed into eternal life on March 9, 2023.  She was the embodiment of the fruit of the Spirit and personified it every day of her life.  Doris is preceded in death by her loving husband, Wilford, parents Ameen and Julia Shakour her brothers, Fred, Richard, Johnny, Eddie, and George Shakour, and her sisters, Mary Shakour and Annie Moses.

Born on June 16, 1927, to immigrant parents, Doris led a life of limitless, unconditional love and faithfulness.  Called to serve the Lord, Doris found her greatest joys in her church and family.  With unwavering devotion, there was nothing that this youngest of eight would not do for her family.  She was the matriarch of the family even though she and her husband Wilford never had children of their own.  Her love and generosity extended abundantly to all her siblings, nieces and nephews and their children. Faithful and gentle, she served as the caregiver to everyone throughout their lives with never a complaint or even a hint of exhaustion or frustration.  Even into her final days, her peace and fulfillment came from being surrounded by her family.

Doris was truly devoted to her faith and to Saint Michael Christian Orthodox Church.  She served in many capacities as Christ’s steward from parish council to fundraising to the heartwarming greeter every Sunday in the vestibule. She was selfless, brought people together, and showed them how to live the way God intends.  Her church and the Orthodox religion were not just a building and a doctrine, but her way of life.  As Christians, we are reminded that our ultimate goal is to become more like Christ, walking in humility toward others and obedience toward our heavenly Father and her walk exemplified that fully.  She continually shined her light on the world through her service, and for that the community of St. Michael Orthodox Church will be impacted forever.

She was a strong, independent woman, with a zest for living.  Her life was full of joy, and she was always surrounded by family and friends.  She and Wilford enjoyed dancing, bowling, card games, and entertaining in their beautiful home which was always so welcoming to everyone.  An amazing cook and hostess, she passed on many of her famous Lebanese recipes as her legacy.  Every Thursday was her special time for herself as she enjoyed her weekly poker games with her longtime friends.  However, on every other afternoon of the week, you could always gather around the breakfast room table for a cup of coffee, a freshly cooked treat, and the warmest smile around.

Outside of her unwavering commitment to her family and faith, she was a bit of a pioneer for working women.  At a young age, she took a business course and later joined American National Bank (shortly after becoming Texas Commerce Bank). She diligently worked her way up and was promoted as the first female Vice President.  In true testament to who she was and her calling in life, Doris managed Customer Service where she became known to everyone in the community.

After years of service at the bank, Doris retired to tend to the needs of her family and friends.  The consummate care giver to everyone she knew, she filled her days of respite in retirement with meal preparation, volunteering in the community, hosting her entire family for Sunday lunch, and of course caring for her husband, sisters, and brothers throughout their lives.  Never meeting a stranger, her kind heart and gentle spirit touched everyone she met.  Her door was quite literally always open to anyone, from the constant barrage of her nieces and nephews with their children to the stranger in need who knocked on her door, her generosity was overwhelmingly inspiring.

As her health declined, she moved into Calder Woods Retirement Home. Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the years of care and support given to her in her new “home”.  She always showed appreciation and said thank you to all without fail. Love went full circle as she was so well loved by everyone there.

Aunt Doris is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and a great-great-great nephew.  Her exemplary life will always be cherished by everyone she loved, and we are all blessed that God shared this angel among us for so many years. May your memory be eternal!

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 North 15^th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702 or the organization of one’s choice.

A gathering of Mrs. Debes’ family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2023, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. The Trisagion will be 6:00 p.m., Sunday March 12, 2023, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 North 15^th Street, Beaumont.  Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, with her interment to follow at St. Michael Cemetery. A mercy meal will follow her interment in the church hall.