Doris Dean Weaver

My name is Doris Dean Ford Weaver, and I was born in Stephens, Arkansas on October 19, 1930.  I was the oldest of five children born to Ida and Doc Ford who both preceded me in death.  My siblings: Frank Richard, Marshall “Sonny” Ford, Margie Ford and Bobbie Joe and two of my children: Doris Annette Shelby and Beverly Weaver also preceded me in death. 

I met and married Luke Weaver, and five children were born to our union.  My two oldest children were born prior to this union. In 1952, I moved to Los Angeles, California where I lived for nearly 25 years. In 1977, I relocated back to my home in Stephens, Arkansas.

When I look back over my 93 years, I can honestly say that I’ve been blessed to have a loving family, and many years of good health.  I had the pleasure of working for Hollywood actor, Napoleon Whiting, as a caregiver for his mother. I also worked for Elk Roofing in Stephens, Arkansas.  I was also a caregiver to many. In my spare time, I enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needle point, thrift shopping and cooking.  You would often find me sitting in a favorite chair watching my favorite television shows.  Sanford & Son was one of my all-time favorites.

My church affiliation was with St. Stephens Baptist Church. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior and enjoyed reading my Bible.

Though I am no longer physically present, I leave behind the following family members to celebrate my life and honor my memory, my children: Ida Baker; Barbara Ann Banks (Andrew) both of Stephens, AR; Randell Weaver and David Weaver of Los Angeles, CA; Pamela Williams (James) of Joan, AR; my grandchildren: Patrick Banks (Cynethia); Darnell Bell (Katresha); Catrelle Henderson (Tara); Derrion Amos (Reagan); Jessica Richard (Kironda); Randy Weaver (Sharine); Jamar Weaver (Laia); David Weaver, Jr. (Carolyn); Trennell Weaver (Arlene); Shanika Weaver; Shandra Banks; Malcolm London; Marquis Weaver; Joshua Williams; Christian Shelby; 24 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great-Great Grandchildren; a special adopted grand, Keelan Buffington. I also have numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

Submitted by the Weaver Family.

Doris Dean Weaver, affectionately known as “Mama Doris,” passed away from this earthly life on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. She was ninety-three. A celebration of her life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 111 N. Smith Street, Stephens, AR 71764, with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., officiant, and Rev. Darnell Bell, eulogist. Mrs. Weaver will lie in state one hour prior to service time. The interment will be at Seminary Cemetery in Stephens, AR.

Cameron Bell, Kironde Richards, Gabriel Henderson, Brian Hunter, Joey Hunter, Marcus Joe, Myron Johnson, Malcolm London, and Roderick Torrence will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Derrion Amos, Patrick Banks, Zane Banks, Darnell Bell, Kolby Bell, Keelan Buffington, Catrelle Henderson, Derrick McBride, Jr.,  Joshua Williams, and Christian Shelby.