Doris Jean Strickland

Doris Jean Strickland passed away on November 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas at the age of 96. She was born on October 11, 1929 in Cameron, Texas to loving parents Robert ("Bob") and Feddie Lee Brown. After graduating from Baylor University with a Bachelors degree in education in 1951, she taught at Dean Highland Elementary School in Waco before marrying and moving to Houston where she taught at Horn Elementary School and, later, for many years at Elrod Elementary School.

On June 5, 1954, Doris Jean was united in marriage to Shelby Strickland in Waco, Texas, a partnership that exemplified love and commitment until Shelby's passing in 2018. She was also predeceased in 2020 by her daughter, Susan Strickland Neibel.

Doris Jean was known not only for her commitment to her family and to her profession but also for her active participation within her community. She was a charter member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church and, in later years, a devoted member of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, where she nurtured many lasting friendships.

Doris Jean is survived by her daughter, Sherry Strickland Hibbert of Houston, along with her four grandchildren: David Neibel and his wife Michelle of San Antonio; Timothy Neibel of Carrollton; Hayley Hibbert Reis and her husband Kevin; and Thomas “Trey” Hibbert III of Houston and his wife Stacey; four great-grandchildren Noah and Wyatt Neibel of San Antonio and Reagan and Rhett Reis of Houston; son-in-law Steve Neibel of Carrollton; and two nephews, Blair Harris and Link Harris and his wife Denise of Waco.

The legacy of Doris Jean Strickland will endure, reflected in the lives of those she touched, both as an educator and a family matriarch. Her family wishes to honor her memory with a graveside service at Walkers Creek Cemetery in Cameron, Texas on November 24, 2025 starting at 11:30 AM. This gathering will celebrate a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever remain in the hearts of her loved ones.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Citizens for Animal Protection, 17555 Katy Fwy, Building C, Houston, TX 77094; or an animal shelter of your choice.