Doris Alma Willbanks

Doris Alma Willbanks, 75, of Louisville passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
She was born on February 14, 1949 in Louisville to the late Garnett Willbanks and Lena Murphy Willbanks.
She began working as a Lunchroom Office Assistant for Jefferson County Public Schools in 1971. During this time, she was a dedicated employee and cared for the students and staff at Roosevelt Elementary, Roosevelt-Perry Elementary, Jacob Elementary and Jefferson County Traditional Middle School. Additionally, she sold newspapers on the corner of 22nd Street and Portland Avenue for over 35 years. A Portland neighborhood icon, she could be seen almost daily riding her bike or walking the streets in her community. She was a helper to those in need. She would care for students by listening to them, learning of their needs and following up to get resources for them. She showed love and compassion by the simple gesture of bringing in hot sauce or ranch dressing, "because the kids just shouldn't have to do without". She was kind, developed relationships and helped get resources to the homeless. She loved animals. She helped improve the lives of stray cats by assisting with the trap-neuter-return program. She fed many strays in her area. Her house was always filled with pets, dogs, cats, turtles; they could not have had a better caretaker. She never wanted anyone or any creature to do without.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Angela Kay; lifelong companion and friend, Joseph Brandt; sisters, Freida Hardin and Linda Willbanks; and brother, Harvey Willbanks.
She is survived by her daughters, Mona Ford (Chris) and Kellie Willbanks; grandchildren, Nicole Ford, Tim Ford, Lauren Ford, Darren Brewer, Peyton Sant, and Emily Sant; sister, Loretta Shepherd; brother, Perry Willbanks; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.
Her visitation will be held from 2p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, with her funeral service to begin at 5:30 p.m. at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home 3800 Bardstown Road. There will be a chapel committal service held at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Resthaven Memorial Park 4400 Bardstown Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a Kroger gift card donation that will be used to benefit the community or memorial gifts may be made to Alley Cats Advocates.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.ratterman.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doris, please visit our floral store.