Doris Aline Allen Bankston, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Denham Springs on March 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in her final moments. Doris was born on December 24, 1928, and was a long-time resident of Denham Springs. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Doris lived a life of kindness, strength, and unconditional love for those around her. She was the heart of our family, our guiding light, our matriarch, and our angel on earth.Her strength was unwavering, a foundation upon which her family could always rely on. Through every challenge and triumph, she remained strong, offering love, wisdom, and comfort to those she cherished. She was always there for her family and welcomed everyone with warmth, never meeting a stranger. She found happiness in spending precious time with her family, working in her garden, riding her lawn mower as she cared for her property, and, above all, being there for the people she loved. No matter the circumstances, she was always there with a compassionate heart and a comforting presence.
Doris is survived by her devoted grandchildren: Raven Toler and her husband Bryan Toler, Chris Bankston and his wife Cat Bankston, and Elizabeth Hughes and her husband Justin Hughes. She is also survived by her loving daughter-in-law Penny Bankston and her cherished great-grandchildren: Baleigh Toler, Ryan Desselle, Rylie Toler, Rylan Toler, Brylee Adams as well as her cherished great-great grand dog Samantha Jewel Toler.
Doris was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 75 years, Robert Bankston, her adored sons, Clifton Bankston and Gary Bankston, as well as beloved brothers and sisters. Though she has now reunited with them, she leaves behind a family who will forever cherish the love, wisdom, and strength she instilled in them.
A service honoring her life will be held at Seale Funeral Home on Saturday, March 29th with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM and the service at 11:00 AM. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will take place at Denham Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Doris’s memory.
They would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff with Vital Caring Hospice for their compassionate care and support during her final weeks. A special thank you is extended to her hospice nurse, Carrie Fisher as well as her sitter, Rose Dame for their unwavering love and dedication to Doris in her last days.
In loving tribute to their eternal love for Doris, the following individuals will serve as pallbearers: Bryan Toler, Rylan Toler, Greg Snee, Wesley Wolfe, Ryan Desselle, and Timmy Carlton. As a testament to their devotion and in honor of their beloved Mawmaw, Raven Toler, Baleigh Toler, Rylie Toler, Brylee Adams, Penny Bankston, and Elizabeth Hughes will walk as honorary pallbearers.
With her passing, our family has lost its matriarch, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives that she has touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and selflessness that will never be forgotten. Though she is no longer physically with us, her presence will forever be felt in our hearts, guiding us just as she always did—with love, grace, and unwavering strength. She will be dearly missed, and our family will be forever changed without her.
