Doris Chambers Hargraves

Doris Chambers Hargraves was born in a boxcar in Nancy, Texas, on May 12, 1925, to her parents, James Talmadge and Grace Best Chambers.
She spent her early childhood years in the Rockland, Texas area surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. When she was a young teenager, her father went to work for Humble Oil and the family moved to Goosecreek, near Baytown, where she also had many fond memories.
During her high school years, the family relocated to Tenaha, Texas, where her father owned several telephone exchanges. After graduating from Tenaha High School, Doris and her sister moved to Beaumont, for a short time, where she worked at the telephone company. Following the end of WWII, she moved to High Island where her father built the telephone exchange. It was there, in High Island, Doris was working in a café when she met the love of her life, Carl Hargraves, from Stowell. She told the story of their meeting many times, and would always say, when Carl walked in the café, he was "the prettiest thing I had ever seen."
Doris and Carl eloped and were married on March 4, 1947. They moved to Stowell, where they raised four children. They were fortunate enough to renew their vows on their 50 wedding anniversary, in the presence of all their children and numerous other family and friends.
Doris loved her children dearly and was actively involved in all their activities. She was the mother that was always there for school parties, field trips, Den mother for Boy Scouts, just to name a few of her numerous contributions. She also was an early member of the Winnie/Stowell Methodist Church, where all her children were baptized. She deeply loved her Lord and the church, and served many ways, including Sunday School teacher, Bible School, MYF, and was there to help with any function. Church and school friends have commented numerous times, they cannot eat a chocolate oatmeal cookie, without thinking of Doris Hargraves. When grandchildren came along, she was equally involved in their lives, providing love and support at every opportunity.
The family has received numerous calls and texts from friends and family, reminding us of all the good memories they have with Doris, and recalling her many acts of service and kindness. It would take volumes to recount all the ways she touched the lives of her family, friends, and community.
During their retirement, Doris and Carl enjoyed many years of RVing with family and friends. They loved these times and were able to travel to many states across our country. Doris could recount travels in detail until the end of her life.
When she was no longer able to travel in the RV, she still loved to go, anytime, anywhere. Until her last days, just give her a call and she would load up in the car for some fun!
Carl died in 2007, and Doris remained in her home, where she lived independently, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
After a short illness, Doris died at her home of natural causes, on January 15, 2024. She was 98 and half years of age.
She is survived by her children; Carl A. Hargraves, Jr., (Caroline) Darlene Smith, Talmadge Hargraves (Rhonda), Gail Martel (Ricky), all of Winnie. Grandchildren, Carl A. Hargraves, III, Hank Hargraves (Daisy), Bradley Hargraves (Ashley), Kelly Hargraves (Hugh Patton), Lesli Mims (Billy), Carrie Hargraves (Todd Raffety), Dakota McFarland, Kevin Pamplin (Amanda), John Hays (Magen), Drew Hayes (Pam), Rachael Ortega (Danny), and Ben Jones(Megan); Great-Grandchildren, Kalaina, Major, Ivy, Rain, Kaylee, Lotti, Presley, Harper, Beckett, Emmaleen, Evie, Katherine, Sterling, Daisy; sister, Della Mae Hill; brother-in-law, Doyle Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hargraves, Sr.; parents, J.T. Chambers and Grace Talbert; sister, Dorothy Peddy; brother-in-law, Walter Peddy; brother, J.T. Chambers, Jr.; son in law, Kenneth Smith; and daughter in law, Cheryl Hargraves.
Our family would like to acknowledge our mother's friend and caregiver Mathilda Tezeno, who went above and beyond to ensure mother was given the best possible care. Words can never express our gratitude for the love and comfort she provided.
We also want to express our gratitude to mother's special friends; Michaelyn Gentile, who took such great care of her nails for many years and loved her dearly. When it became too difficult for Doris to go to the shop for nail care, Michaelyn would go to her home, and at the end, she even went to the nursing home for her final manicure. Also, Hilda Martinez was always kind, loving and willing to assist in any way.
Doris spent a short time in the Arboretum of Winnie, where she quickly became "Granny" to the entire staff. We appreciate all the wonderful care and love she received while in their care. Lastly, we want to thank Gentiva Hospice Care, they not only provided great care, but on the worst weather day of the year, arranged transportation to Doris' house, to grant her final wish, which was to die at home.
All the children feel blessed beyond measure that Doris Chambers Hargraves was chosen to be our mother. We are comforted in the knowledge that she is rejoicing in heaven with her beloved Carl. We all know that she busted through the Pearly Gates triumphantly declaring, "here I am"!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1509, Winnie, Texas, 77665.
A gathering of Ms. Hargraves' family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with her funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Broussard's, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Her interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.