Dorris Faye Gilliam

As we mourn the earthly passing of Dorris Faye Gilliam, we rejoice in knowing she was welcomed into heaven by her Savior and by family and friends that have gone before her. Dorris passed away peacefully in her home in Cedar Park, TX surrounded by her three children on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the age of 88 after a short battle with dementia.

Dorris Faye Carrell was the second of four children born in Singleton, TX to Elmer Enol and Lue Ethel (Henderson) Carrell. Her family moved to Shiro,TX where she attended elementary school and then Navasota High School before she embarked on a financial career; which began at Farmers State Bank of Shiro at the tender age of sixteen and she remained for twenty plus years. Then upon acceptance of the position of Vice President of Republic Bank A&M, she moved to College Station. Next she moved to Conroe to become Vice President of American Bank before becoming the Financial Secretary of the Tryon-Evergreen Baptist Association. Lastly, Dorris became the Financial Secretary at Ashmin where she retired at the age of 80. Upon retirement Dorris moved to Cedar Park, TX to be near two of her children; to keep family close and to make meaningful memories.

Dorris was baptized as a child at the Shiro Baptist Church. With each move she found a new church family to help continue her walk with The Lord. She attended Southwest Parkway in College Station, First Baptist Conroe, and Anderson Mill Baptist in Cedar Park. Dorris enjoyed singing in the choir, leading Sunday School, and helping in the Children’s Ministry!

Dorris was the Rock of the family and was always ready to handle each situation with strength and encouragement. Dorris weathered many significant storms in her life with her strong will, love of life, and the help of God. When she was asked about her life she always replied, “I did the best I could at the time and with that situation”. She always encouraged each member of the family to be their best. Dorris delighted in family gatherings and always looked forward to events which brought everyone together. Her family looked forward to her hugs, thoughtful gifts, and delicious dishes. No event was complete without her Banana Pudding!

Dorris is preceded in death by her parents; husbands Wilburn Gabe Smith of Huntsville, TX; Lloyd Weldon Lehew of Shiro, TX; and Paul Gilliam of Conroe, TX; brother Willie Marshall (WM) Carrell of LaMarque, TX; and son-in-law James Schroeder of Anderson, TX.

Dorris is survived by her son Larry Wayne Lehew of Cedar Park, TX and grandsons Weldon Terrell, Peyton Rylie, and Logan Tyler; daughter Debra D’Lynn Lehew of Leander, TX; and daughter Carol Lynn Schroeder of Anderson, TX and grandson Michael Chad Schroeder (wife Linda) and great grandchildren Kelsey, Shelby, Hayden, Emily; grandson Ryan Keith Schroeder (wife Angela) and great grandchildren Erick, Marse, Cole (wife Victoria), Christian, Ryan Grace; and granddaughter Shelby Elizabeth Gilbert (husband Landon) and great granddaughters Emmalyn Faye and Elizabeth Faith. Dorris is also survived by brother Clifford Carnell Carrel (wife Wilma) and sister Nelda Joy Parker in addition to nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 13th , 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Nobles Funeral Chapel; followed by funeral services from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. under the direction of Pastor David Valentine.

Burial will be at the Independence Cemetery in Shiro, TX at 2:00 p.m.