Doris Hillger Smith Obituary

Doris Alvina Hillger Smith lived a long and gratifying life, serving God, and was much-loved by her family and many dear friends. She was born in Fort Stockton, Texas as on May 11, 1930. There, in the dry and sandy town, she was brought up by her kind and loving parents, Fannie Elizabeth Mays Hillger and Loren Ralph Hillger, along with her two now deceased sisters, Elizabeth Dennison and Patsy McConnell.
Doris loved music and was a gifted pianist. Beginning at the age of three, and into her 90's, she contributed this gift to numerous social events, churches, weddings, funerals, and concerts. As a lifelong Methodist, she donated her time and talent unselfishly, as an organist and Sunday school teacher. Doris grew up during the depression, a time when all Americans helped with the war effort at home. At age 11, she and other girls her age wrapped bandages that were sent to aid the troops overseas. Growing up in West Texas landed itself to open skies where with her father, she learned to fly and got her pilots license at age 16. Doris attended TCU to study Literature and music. There, she met her husband of 57 years, Homer Clyde Smith Jr. He had served in the Navy during WWII and was about to graduate from TCU. They married, and along with raising a family of four children, worked as dedicated educators from primary to higher level learning throughout their lives. Doris and Homer became close to many friends in Liberty, Lake Jackson, Bryan, and San Antonio. Together they enjoyed couples bridge, family gatherings, and travelled to Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, South America, Alaska, Canada, and all over the United States.
Education was important in her upbringing and philosophy. This way of life was passed on to her children, as many events in her life surrounded around their schooling, sports, church activities, and the love of family. Most holidays and summer vacations were spent with relatives in her parent's home at "Hat A Ranch" and around Fort Stockton and Florida. There, laid back discussions included arrowhead findings, rattlesnakes, long hikes, a dear named Fatima, and the never-ending subject of "how to teach", since both of her sisters were also teachers.
Doris graduated with a BA, taught public school, and continued her education. One of the first women to graduate from Texas A & M University, with a Master of Education and Counseling, she was then employed by the Alamo Heights ISD to be Headmaster for The Early Learning Center for children with Autism, and special needs, as her hands-on research was a contribution to the field. Doris also worked as a high school counselor at Liberty High School and after retiring, worked as a vocational counselor at Hightower Prison.
After Homer passed, Doris decided to move to Nacogdoches, where she enjoyed time with grandchildren, the Methodist Church, and bridge. She travelled on several outings with the church including the Holy Lands.
Surviving children are Candace Hull, Loren Smith, Sherrill Holder, and Marsha Blount, along with grandchildren Tracey Hunn, Amy Gough, Sarah Christian, Brian Smith, Boone Smith, Edward (Gus) Blount, V, Robbie Smith, and Monica Green. Doris also leaves wonderful great grandchildren and enjoyed a relationship with her nieces and nephews, Susan Gregonis, Jan Jefferies, Mike Dennison, Kate Crosby, Jane Wakely, LeeAnn Odom, and Becky Smith.
The family would like to thank The Harmony House in Tyler, Carol and Staci Truskosky, the Heart to Heart Hospice, and Chaplain Bryan Grant.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Texas Oncology-Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center @ 3410 Worth St., Suite 400 Dallas, Tx 75246 T. 214-370-1000
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