They called her "PeeWee" when she was young, for she stood all of 4' 9 ¾". Her full name was Doris Faye Crouch Gathright, the name she proudly gave any time she was asked. The Lord Jesus Christ received her into His arms at 5:10 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019, as she slept peacefully.

Mother was born at home on Dallas Street in Yoakum, TX, on January 25, 1930, to William Bryan and Kizzie Gorman Crouch, the last child of 6 and the only girl. Her two older living brothers were Clyde Edward and William" Junior" Crouch. At the age of 6, Mother's family moved to the "big city" of Victoria where they lived on Depot Street and she started 1 ^st grade at Mitchell Elementary.

Mother progressed well through her school years, even being promoted two grades in 6 ^th grade, much to the chagrin of her brother, "Junior" who would now have her in his classes! They had their rivalry, but both loved and looked up to their older brother, Clyde, who was
a Marine killed on Okinawa in 1945.

"Pee Wee" wasn't the only nickname Mother had; the name, "Wheaties" was bestowed upon her after she won an actual fight against another girl in 7th grade! Later she worked at Henke's Drug Store (where the old Bianchi's Pharmacy/Rosebud Cafe were), as a 14 year old girl during WW II; then as she cashiered at the Victoria Theater, a regular customer nicknamed her once again, "Little Bit".

During her years at Patti Welder High School, Mother was an outgoing and well-liked girl who embraced her studies, work, her church activities and life in general. After graduating in 1947, she was offered a 2-year scholarship to Victoria College, but had to decline in order to keep working to help support her mother who was unable to work.

Being the cute and feisty, young woman she was, she caught the eye and won the heart of a handsome young man, Willis Gathright. He proposed and they married on November 24, 1951. After a short stay in Victoria, they spent the next 10 years of their lives in Corpus Christi, where Dad was a teacher and Mother began her "career" as an amazing wife and mom. They lived there until returning to Victoria in 1962 as a family of five.

Doris Faye Crouch Gathright never met a stranger; she would talk to anyone about her Lord and even as a resident of Cuero Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (where she had resided since September 29, 2017), she would pray for anyone when she learned of their need. She was not only a faithful wife of 67 years, but an amazing mom and beloved Granny who LOVED playing with, caring for and cooking for all 10 of her grandchildren.  She loved her great-grandchildren dearly as well, for her heart embraced them just as closely.  She planned all sorts of games and skits for holidays and family vacations and was the "queen of snacks"!  Her cooking was next to none, especially her biscuits and cornbread dressing. She was a wonderful hostess who would welcome you into the house and have a glass of ice water in front of you with coffee on the way before you even got settled in the chair. She was ALWAYS ready to play a game of "42" and had the instinct of a pro!

Mother was organized, creative, and a skilled seamstress, all of which she used in starting a business with her dear friend, Pat McCright. They both had names ending in "right", so they named it "Creations by Tu-rights". They sold patterns and garments for women and men who needed easy-on/off clothing, an idea that arose from Mother's own mother being a nursing home resident. Mother and Pat worked hard and were successful, had a lot of fun traveling together to promote their products and ministered to many people along the way! What a duo!

Doris was proceeded in death by her parents, three brothers she never knew, her brothers Clyde and William "Junior" Crouch, her granddaughter, Melody Garrison Gentry, and, husband, Willis R. Gathright.

She is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Gary R.) Garrison of Victoria; son, Lynn (Renee) Gathright of Austin; son, Wayne (Frances) Gathright of Austin; grandson, Caleb (Erin) Garrison of Victoria, (Gavin, Kaitlyn, Caden, Braeden and Garrett); granddaughter, Laura Garrison of Victoria; great-grandsons, Garrison and Jeremiah Gentry of Tulsa (Melody and Zane Gentry); grandson, Sean (Tia) Gathright of Waco, (Anna Kate, Isabel and Hudson); grandson, Kevin Gathright of Austin; grandson, Joshua (Stephanie) Gathright of TN, (Aralynn); granddaughter, April (Brandon) Ward of TN, (Revan and Alba); granddaughter, Shannon Gathright of Luling (Dyson and Adelaina); grandson, Nathan Gathright of Austin; granddaughter, Kristen Gathright of Austin. Doris is also survived by several beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews as well.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, July 21, 2019, 3 PM at Fellowship Bible Church in Victoria.

In lieu of flowers, the donation of a book to either Vickers Elementary library or Fellowship Bible Church library in the name of Willis and Doris would be wonderful or to any charity of donor's choice. Thank you.