Doris Banks Johnson's Obituary
Doris Stein Weeks was born on January 28, 1941, in Greenville, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. She was the eldest child born to the union of Frazier Weeks and Frances Tims Weeks (deceased). As a child she was graced with the nickname “Doll” because of her inner and outer beauty.
She was a devoted sister to her younger siblings on whom she doted in a household full of love and laughter. Beloved brothers Oscar Weeks (deceased, Rose), Eddie Benjamin Weeks, Sr. (deceased), and Samuel Patrick Weeks (deceased), and sisters Betty Weeks-Gill (Gregory, deceased), Erma Jean Nichols (Larney), and Maxine Weeks (deceased) were all proud of their adoring sister who paved the way to accomplishment. Erma and Doris shared a special love, and a dedication to bettering themselves and others through learning and teaching.
Doris was baptized at a young age and was instilled with a knowledge and reverence of Jesus Christ as her Lord. She was surrounded by a large and close-knit extended family in the tandem cities of Greenville and Scott, Mississippi. A special bond grew between Doris and her cherished cousin Ozzie Kinnard, and they continued their close relationship well after they both left their rural roots.
Doris attended Sacred Heart High School and was an avid reader – a pastime that she enjoyed throughout her life. She deeply respected and greatly benefitted from the tutelage of the Catholic nuns of the order of The Sisters of Mercy, who nurtured her and impacted her life significantly. Upon graduation in 1959, the Sisters supported her ambition of attending college and became her benefactors in attending Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa.
Also, during high school, Doris met the love of her life, George Banks, Jr. (deceased). Their romance continued in the form of many expressive love letters while she was away at college, and in 1960, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where they chose to marry. In 1961, they welcomed a treasured daughter, Lisa Banks, and in 1962, an adored son, George Banks, III (deceased). Doris was an attentive mother who instilled her love of education in her children and sacrificed together with George to give them the best opportunities available in life.
Doris completed her undergraduate studies at Chicago State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1968, fulfilling her desire to become a teacher, and to positively influence young minds - just as hers had been. This career choice permeated the family, with many close relatives becoming successful and awarded educators. Her entire 30-year career was spent as a teacher at Fernwood Elementary School, where she enjoyed the pleasure of having many of her students’ children as students also. Her giving spirit often led her to share her and her family’s personal belongings with those who were without. She appreciated the many gratifying bonds formed with her peers at Fernwood who became an extended family.
Doris cherished many years of closeness with her best friend Mary Austin, who was like a big sister; they delighted in raising their families together and remained lifelong confidantes. She was a devout parishioner of St. Helena of the Cross Catholic Church where she was becoming famous as “the bingo lady,” another one of her favorite pastimes.
As a working professional, she persevered to earn a Master of Science degree in Education from Chicago State University as well as a Master of Science degree in Health Sciences in 1986 from Governors State University of University Park, Illinois.
Doris met Johnny Johnson (deceased) whom she married in 1988 and after being dedicated to her students for many years, she retired in 1998; the couple then relocated to Oxford, Mississippi, where she enjoyed Johnny’s cooking, fishing, and football hobbies. Also in Oxford, Doris began working toward a PhD at the University of Mississippi, which initially prevented her from being admitted due to the racial climate of the South at that time.
An adored and precocious grandson, David Fung-Cap, was always close to her heart. Doris and David closed each phone call affectionately with the phrase “here’s my kiss (mwah).”
Doris ultimately relocated to the Dallas metro area to enjoy her retirement closer to her sister Erma and beloved brother-in-law Larney (Nick) who diligently visited her weekly at her home in Fox Run Estates, sharing many laughs, remembrances from their humble roots, and stories about their gratifying teaching experiences. She also called and played bingo regularly, saving her winnings to fund the casino trips she enjoyed so much.
Doris especially treasured her niece Cheryl Nichols, and dear nieces and nephews Eddie Benjamin Weeks, Jr., Eric Weeks, Eboni Nichols (Dana), Christy Weeks (deceased), Brandi Nichols, and Anthony Weeks. Doris also valued the close relationships she had with her extended Chicago family.
She was lovingly cared for by Lorean Lewis, who was devoted to Doris for many years. We appreciate Miss Lorean more than words can ever express.
Following a long struggle against Alzheimer’s disease, Doris transitioned into eternity on November 16, 2023. A host of family, friends, and loved ones will mourn her passing and cherish precious memories.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
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