Doris Anne Parks Gonzales

Doris passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at her home in Dallas, Texas. Doris was born July 23, 1941 to Laymond and Hattie Ammann Parks in the small Central Texas town of Burnet. During her childhood, her parents owned and ran a small grocery store on the town square. Doris and her sister, Donna, spent many hours riding their horses on the family ranch west of Burnet and later enjoying the nearby Lakes Buchanan and Inks.

After graduating with honors at age sixteen from Burnet High School where she was a cheerleader, Doris lived in Lubbock and San Marcos briefly before relocating to Austin. There she worked for several years for the State Comptroller of Public Accounts. She began taking night classes at the University of Texas before attending full time and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in English, History, and Education in 1966. She moved to the Dallas area where she accepted a teaching position at the Greenhill School in Addison. There she met fellow teacher, Joe Gonzales from Albuquerque, New Mexico; he would become her husband in 1968. During this time, she earned her Master of Liberal Arts degree at Southern Methodist University. She also continued her teaching career at the Glenwood School in Richardson and Memorial and O’Banion Middle Schools in Garland. Joe and Doris enjoyed travel and led student trips to Europe, Mexico, and Guatemala. They also visited most of the United States during their school breaks as well as trips throughout Asia, South America, and Canada. They were fortunate to enjoy a long, healthy retirement together during which Doris was usually planning their next trip. In spite of her passion for travel, she was proud to be a lifelong Texan and Texas Longhorn fan.

Doris was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Dr. Donna Parks. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years. No public services are scheduled and inurnment will be in Burnet, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Greenhill School in Addison, Texas.

https://www.greenhill.org/make-an-online-gift

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Gonzales family.