Doris Gee's Obituary
Doris Pownell Gee, age 93, passed away peacefully in her home on December 3rd, 2025. Born in Ada, Oklahoma, on November 14, 1932, to Admiral Munroe and Edythe Bush Pownell, Doris grew up moving throughout Oklahoma while her father worked as a civil engineer for the Oklahoma Highway Department. Those early experiences shaped her ability to make friends easily wherever she went — a gift she carried throughout her life.
Doris graduated from Lindsay High School and Guthrie High School, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma State University (formerly Oklahoma A&M), where she was an active and loyal member of Chi Omega Sorority. After college, she embraced big-city life in Dallas, purchasing her first pair of black taffeta pumps at Neiman Marcus before beginning her career with Lone Star Gas in the recipe test kitchen and showroom.
It was during her work in the Lone Star Gas booth at the State Fair of Texas that she met the love of her life, Bennie Bush Gee. They married on March 1, 1958, and built a beautiful life together for 65 years until Ben’s passing in 2023.
Doris devoted her life to her family and her community. She was actively involved in her children’s schools and PTAs, the Richardson Women’s Club, Lisi Book Club, P.E.O., and Chi Omega. She treasured her bridge group, her “happy ladies” friends, and the “bus friends” who traveled together across the country in their custom motor coaches. A woman of faith, Doris was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas, where she joyfully played in the handbell choir for many years.
She loved reading, collecting antiques, working crossword puzzles, and snow skiing. She and Ben made it a priority for their children to see all corners of the United States, creating cherished memories during cross-country adventures in their Winnebago and later motor homes. Frequent ski trips to Colorado became a joyful family tradition. When the kids were grown, Doris and Ben continued exploring — traveling the world with dear friends and savoring each new experience together.
Doris’ gentle nature beautifully complemented Ben’s “spicy” personality, a pairing that made their partnership both strong and delightfully fun. Together, they built a home filled with humor, hospitality, and love.
Doris is survived by her two children: David (Justine) Gee, with grandchildren Lily and John David; and Lauri (Keith) Warren, with grandchildren Drew (Kylee), Josh (Darian), Sarah (Christian), and Abby — and four great-grandchildren who brought her so much delight. She also leaves behind many dear extended family members and cherished friends who will remember her warmth, kindness, and steadfast friendship.
She is preceded in death by her husband Ben, her sister Barbara Pownell Thomas (Max), and her parents Admiral and Edythe Pownell.
Doris lived by the principles of doing what you say you’re going to do and treating others the way you would want to be treated. She made every home welcoming, every gathering special, and every person she met feel valued. As she was lovingly cared for in Lauri and Keith’s home, her keen sense of style never faded — her joyful exclamation, “You have new shoes!” was a frequent reminder of her enduring love for beautiful things.
Her family and friends find comfort in the promise of her faith:
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…”
“Through many dangers, toils, and snares, we have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home.”
May that grace now lead Doris home, reunited with her beloved Ben and held in the arms of her Savior.
A celebration of her life will be held by her family at a later date.
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