Barton, Doris Marie's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doris Marie Barton, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, who went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 5, 2024. Doris was born December 13, 1942, and was 81 years old at the time of her death.
A devoted follower of Christ, Doris's deep faith was the cornerstone of her life. She found strength and comfort in her relationship with God, touching the lives of all who knew her with her prayers, wisdom, and loving spirit. Her commitment to her faith led many to Christ.
Doris had an innate ability to make everyone feel special, and her home was always open to anyone in need. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Doris’s friendship was a gift that enriched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Well respected for her strength and firm beliefs, Doris wasn’t afraid to speak her mind when necessary. She had the remarkable gift of finding humor during life’s difficulties, lifting the spirits of those around her with her infectious laughter and wit.
Born and raised in Marshall, Texas, Doris formed lifelong friendships. Doris went on to attend Centenary College where she formed more lasting friendships through her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. After graduating from Centenary College, Doris married the first of the two great loves of her life, Terry Tomlin, with whom she had her only child, Kimberley. After years of growing in Christ together, Doris loved and cared for Terry for the remainder of his life.
As a passionate lifelong learner, Doris began her career as a dedicated teacher, holding her students to high standards while showing deep care for their success. She taught all subjects, but enjoyed expressing her creative side when she wrote and directed her Christmas musical Follow the Yellow Brick Road with preschoolers to fourth graders at The Lamplighter School. Later, she transitioned to a successful career in real estate, where she thrived with the same energy and tenacity.
Doris moved into the next chapter of her life when she reconnected with her high school sweetheart Gerald Barton. Together, they moved to a cherished farm home in Athens, pouring their love and hard work into creating lasting memories for their family. Doris served as the secretary and treasurer of the Crescent Heights Water Board, where her vibrant presence and storytelling lit up the room. No task was too big or small for Doris and her tireless spirit earned her the affectionate nickname “the energizer bunny” by her family.
Doris was a true matriarch—a woman who set an example of resilience, grace, and unshakable faith. She leaves her family with a legacy of love and compassion. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberley Tomlin Trimble and her husband Scott; grandchildren, Taylor, Charlotte and Brandon Sone; goddaughter, Melissa Weisend Massai; stepdaughter, Allison Barton Knapp and many treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Dale Barton; her first husband, Terry Noel Tomlin; her mother Janie Lee O’Conner; Janie’s twin sister aunt Mayme Ree Mathis; aunts Nell Mayfield and Ruth Miller; Uncle Tom Underwood Austin and her beloved grandparent's “Mama” Ree and “Daddy Red” who raised her in Marshall, Texas.
Please join us in wearing bright colors to celebrate Doris’s life at the graveside service at Restland on Thursday, November 14, at 12:00 PM, followed by a small reception. Doris Marie Barton was deeply touched by the mission of the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) and was passionate about its work. To honor her legacy, the family invites you to consider memorial donation, in Doris' memory, to https://givebutter.com/bit in lieu of flowers. BIT empowers individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired, by providing reskilling and workforce opportunities. Your support will directly help disabled professionals build new, inclusive, rewarding careers.
We invite all who knew Doris to share their cherished memories and stories about her at the graveside service, celebrating the warmth and joy she brought to so many.
While Doris will be greatly missed, we take comfort in knowing that she is now with her Savior, at peace, and surrounded by eternal love.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
—Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
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