Doris Marie Boswell was born September 25, 1944 to Charlie Gillum and Nettie Mae Gillum in Hempstead, Texas. She was one of 8 siblings. Doris and her family moved from Hempstead to Cedar Bayou in 1950 then to Baytown in 1953. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1963 where she enjoyed being on the cheerleading team.

Doris accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Lakewood Church for many years. She retired from Goose Creek ISD in 2001 after serving as a cook for over 10 years. She enjoyed listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. Doris had a kind heart and was always helping others. She loved being around people, laughing, and enjoying life to the fullest. She was a loving mother of one daughter, Keisha, and the proud grandmother of two grandchildren, Alexia and Braylen. She also found companionship with Spencer Boutain who has been a part of her life for the past 20 years.

Preceding her in death is her father: Charlie Gillum; mother: Nettie Mae Gillum; brothers: Sherman Gillum and Wilbert Gillum; sisters: Valerie Gillum, Charles Maxine Bell, Evelyn D. Sudds, Georgia Mae Tompkins, and Maxine Charles Gibson.

She left joyful and precious memories of her life in the hearts of her daughter: Keisha Bryant (Rayfield); grandchildren: Alexia Bryant and Braylen Bryant; sister-in-law: Pearlie Gillum; brother-in-law: Charles Bell, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.