Doris King Shandy's Obituary
Doris Ray King was born to Sam King and Annie Love (Greer) King on November 20, 1928, in Tenaha, (Shelby County/Tenaha, Timpson and Bobo) Texas - the 10th of 11 children (6 girls and 5 boys), where she was raised to know the Lord at Friendship Baptist Church.
She attended schools in Tenaha and Timpson, then continued her education at Prairie View A and M near Houston, TX, earning a degree in Home Economics. While at Prairie View, she met and later married Avery Miller.
In 1964, Doris moved to Palo Alto, CA where she worked and eventually met Richard Shandy, affectionately known as Butch, whom she married on March 17, 1965.
She and Butch owned and managed a successful dry cleaning business (Kitty Cleaners) in East Palo Alto and enjoyed entertaining their many friends and associates as well as being on several competitive bowling teams.
Doris was also the quintessential hostess and was well known for her outstanding cooking skills, which were unmatched, by the way. She truly enjoyed having company/family over and always made her guests feel at home.
While not working or entertaining, she and Butch enjoyed taking to the road and visiting family and friends in other cities and states.
Another big highlight of her life was returning to the annual family and church reunion at Tenaha, Timpson and Bobo at Friendship Baptist Church where she grew up and first came to know the Lord.
Doris and Butch moved back to Texas in 1985, and Doris began working at Longview HS in a job she really loved - working with kids. Many students benefitted from her gentle guidance, instruction and encouragement. She believed that all young people could improve if they were given loving guidance and care.
And to her many friends and work associates, she was always the life of the party.
Doris is also remembered by members of Galilee Church, and St Andrew Presbyterian Church as a faithful member.
Doris passed peacefully from this life on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Doris has now joined her parents Sam and Annie King, husband, Richard (Butch) Shandy, and her 10 siblings (Mozelle, Idell, Reba, Elna, Annie Lois, Ennis, Ellis, Robert Lewis, Willie Glen and Sam Jr.)
She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, former co-workers and friends who will remember her as a bright light in their lives.
What’s your fondest memory of Doris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Doris?
Share a story where Doris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Doris you’ll never forget.
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