Doris B. (McDaniel) Stell
Doris B. (McDaniel) Stell was born on June 4, 1948, and raised in the Mt. Zion community of Grapeland, Texas. The eldest of three children born to Luna Bell McDaniel, Doris accepted Christ as her personal savior at a young age and remained steadfast in her faith until her death.
Doris had a thirst for learning and graduated high school in 1966 from W.R. Banks High School in Grapeland, Texas. She attended Prairie View A&M University, and in 1971, received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.
On September 13, 1969, Doris married her sweetheart, John W. Stell, and they were blessed to celebrate 47 wedding anniversaries together. Their union produced two sons, Marcus and Nicholas.
Her long career as an educator spanned over 33 years, first as a middle school teacher in the Kennard Independent School District and then the final 30 years of her career as an elementary school teacher in the Grapeland Independent School District. Doris loved being around children and young adults and always endeavored to positively impact the lives of her students. She also cherished the relationships formed with her colleagues throughout her career and loved her “school family” just as she did her own.
Doris retired from the Grapeland Independent School District after the 2003-04 academic calendar year and spent her retirement years engaged in some of her greatest hobbies: reading, shopping, working on puzzles and word games, gardening, taking care of her pet cats, and spoiling her grandchildren.
A lifelong member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Doris found herself active in several areas of ministry. She was a Deaconess and Mission and Womens’ Auxiliary member, but also sang in the choir, worked with the youth ministry, served as a sunday school teacher and Vacation Bible School coordinator, and had a passion for organizing and developing content for special church programs and events. When she was not busy serving in the body of Christ, Doris also served her local, regional, and national communities in a leadership role of the Order of Calanthe – Pearl Court #96.
On September 11, 2017, Doris was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her mother, Luna Bell McDaniel, and is survived by her husband John W. Stell of Grapeland, Texas; sons Marcus (Tamayra) Stell of Rockwall, Texas, and Nicholas (Chandralyn) Stell of Richmond, Texas; beloved grandchildren, Matthew Stell and Zachary Stell; brothers Charles McDaniel of Laredo, Texas, and Jesse (Therssia) McDaniel of Grapeland, Texas; aunt, Modena Johnson of Grapeland, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 12202 FM 229,in Grapeland. The Rev. Robert R. Thompson officiated. Eulogist was the Rev. Henry R. Lovelady. Interment followed at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Grapeland.
Final arrangements made by Emanuel Funeral Home – Crockett, 906 N. 6th Street, Crockett, TX 75835.
