Doris Ann Cass Bankhead, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at her home in Paris, Texas. In the weeks leading up to her passing, she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Doris leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love for her family, a deep reverence for nature, and a steadfast faith in God that guided her throughout her life.
Doris was born on August 2, 1932, to Charles Graydon Cass and Edith Irene Hargroves. She married J.B. “Beadum” Bankhead on April 3, 1953, at Ramseur Baptist Church.
Doris graduated from Delmar High School before attending Paris Junior College where she met the love of her life, Beadum Bankhead. After marrying, the couple lived in Dallas for a few years before returning to Paris to raise their growing family. Their son, Jeff Bradley (Brad) was born in 1954 followed by three daughters: Beth Ann, Lori Kay, and Jennifer Lynn.
While Doris devoted herself wholeheartedly to her home and family, she also made a lasting impact on her community through her many roles as a teacher. She taught kindergarten at Mrs. Baker’s Little School, music at East Paris Elementary, and children’s choir at First Baptist Church, where she also taught Sunday School for many years. She was a long-time member of the Moderne Music Club, and she presented an annual fall drumming program for the children of Central Presbyterian Day School.
Doris shared her faith primarily through quiet, consistent service. Her gentle wisdom and selfless spirit touched countless lives. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will forever cherish the many “words of wisdom” she offered throughout their lives.
Though Doris preferred a life of calm and simplicity, she married a man of adventure. Over the years she learned to embrace his world, joining him on numerous motorcycle trips, wilderness camping excursions and jeep rides through the high country of Colorado. She and Beadum traveled and camped with their lifelong friends, A.D. & Helen Thompson for seven decades. Doris outlived all three of them, and in her final days she remarked that the three of them had left her “to tend the fires.”
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Beadum; her parents, C.G. and Edith Cass, her brother, Charles Cass; and her dear friends, A.D. and Helen Thompson. She is survived by her brother, Don Cass; her sister-in-law, Jane Cass, her son, Brad Bankhead and wife, Lynn of Hawkins, TX; her daughter, Beth Kollman and husband, Mark of Paris; her daughter, Lori Bankhead of Paris; and her daughter, Jennifer Sanders and husband, Tony of Paris.
She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren; Jay Bankhead and wife, Cera of Orlando, FL; Zach Bankhead and wife, Stephanie of Rodanthe, NC; Caleb Bankhead of Columbia, SC; Nikki Collier and husband, Ryan of Brooklyn, NY; Addi Fountain and husband, Danny of Orlando, FL; Cassie Jackson and husband, Russell of Paris; Aaron Edwards and wife, Melissa of Paris; Rachel Ressler and husband, Casey of Paris; Blake Sanders of Paris; Drew Sanders and wife, Brittany of Paris; Annelise Hogan and husband, Brent of Paris; Tyler Sanders and wife, Klaire of Midland, TX; Bridger Gottshalk and partner, Bennia Godsey of Tyler, TX; Allie Beth Gottshalk of Paris; and Connor Gottshalk and partner, Nadrionna Chester of Paris.
Doris also leaves behind thirty-three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her first great-great grandchild is expected in May 2026.
A memorial service honoring Doris’ life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel in Paris. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
