Dorris Marie Hamblen

HAMBLEN, Dorris, a native of Nacogdoches Co., born on August 26, 1923 to Oren & Grace Smith. This remarkable woman devoted her energies to improving the lives of those around her, be it her family, her neighbors or a weary traveler. After graduation in 1942, Dorris worked in the shipyard helping to build ships to carry our troops overseas during World War II. She worked for Southwestern Bell before she met and married J. E. Hamblen on September 9, 1954 and moved to Forney, TX. Their family grew to include two children, Cheree and Lisa and husband, Larkin and three beloved grandchildren, Lucia, Landon and Lena. Dorris and her husband owned an operated a ranch near Forney. They were one of the first cattlemen to bring and breed Charolias cattle from France to the USA. Both her and Ham were recognized and appreciated for all the hard work raising cattle. Dorris has been on active member to the First Baptist Church of Forney, for more than four decades, where she taught Sunday school for many years; she has served on many committees, she also helped with the home where foreign missionaries stay while they are on furlough. She is currently a member of the First Baptist Church of Goldthwaite for the last four years. Dorris worked for 23 years as a volunteer for the Forney Beautification committee which she founded along with Cary & Judy Griffin and Gail McCurry. Doris helped establish three small parks in the City of Forney; Carys Corner, Bell Park and one that bears her name Hamblen Park. Dorris coordinated the Christmas decoration for the City of Forney for many years, and was a member of the garden club and historical society. The recipient of many awards, some are Helping Hand Award by the Forney Chamber of commerce and a supporter of the local food pantry, funded a scholarship for graduates of Forney High School in memory of her late husband, Grand Marshal of the City of Forney in 2004, Governor Achievement Award in 2004, Outstanding Service of City of Forney, WFAA TV exemplifying the Sprit of Texas Award, Dorris Hamblen Day at the State Capital. Dorris was a gracious host who has opened her home to friends of friends, visiting pastors and local organizations. Survivors: daughter, Cheree Hamblen of Goldthwaite, TX., daughter, Lisa & husband, Larkin and grandchildren, Lucia, Landon and Lena Hood of Goldthwaite. TX.; sister, Bettye Greer of Diboll, TX; 4 wonderful step-children, son, Jim Hamblen & wife, Jean Beth of Overton, TX. and their children, Fletcher and Beth, son, Dr. Bob Hamblen & wife, Cybee of Paint Rock, TX. and their children, Alan, Bettye and Andy, son, Pac Hamblen & wife, Vicki of Goldthwaite, TX. and their children, Brannon, Pace & Gretchen; daughter, Martha Ann& Ed Griffith of Taylor, TX.; and their children, Kathy, Eddie, Ann, Molly; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family and friends. Special friends, Don & Brenda Kearby, Elias & Maria Rivera, Ravel Christiansen, Sandy Clark, Kenny Hayes. Service will be 4:00PM Sunday March 15, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Forney, 1003 FM 741, Forney, TX. 75126.