Doris Deraine Bridwell

Doris Deraine Bridwell of Corpus Christi, TX passed away in her sleep on April 5th, Easter Sunday, 2026. She was 90 years old. Having faced the challenges of dementia for some time, when God called her home, she was ready to go.

Doris was born on May 28th, 1935 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Leon and Edna Kirksey. Leon moved the family to Corpus Christi that next winter. While Doris would go on to live and visit many places, most of her life was spent in the Calallen area of Corpus Christi. 

Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Lee Bridwell, who passed away at only 61 in 1995. Doris and Marvin met shortly before he was stationed in Korea with the Marine Corp, and up until her passing you could look in a box beside her favorite chair and find pictures they had sent to each other during those early years. In one photo, Doris poses quite mischievously on the hood of a car in a full dress. In another, Marvin shows off his boxing skills. They were married in October, 1952. They would go on to many adventures and survive many trials, including the tragic loss of their firstborn daughter, Kandi, who at 4 years old died from leukemia. Though Marvin passed over 30 years ago, Doris never considered remarrying.

 Doris and Marvin had three more children. Their eldest, Bobby Bridwell, constantly kept her laughing and always put a smile on her face. He passed away on October 31st, 2023 after putting up an admirable fight with colorectal cancer. Doris is survived by her sister Nathalie Lemley (out of four siblings), son, Rickey Bridwell, who over the years was a faithful and attentive son and friend, and her daughter, Donnette Bridwell, who brought her much pride and joy.

Doris had a few other great loves in her life: square dancing, cooking, and sewing. When the kids were in school, she often handmade their clothes. Her knack for finding the best patterns and fabrics, and her attention to detail in her craft, contributed to both Rickey and Bobby receiving a lot of attention and all of their friends wanted Doris to make their clothes, too. 

Doris and Marvin got into square dancing, and never looked back, up until his death. It was a way for them to show off her sewing skills (she custom made their outfits!), cut a rug, and mingle with good friends and company. Doris was also a world class cook for her family and probably each and every one of them have a favorite recipe. 

Doris would want to mention how much she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, several of which she helped raise at various points in their lives. Towards the end, Doris had a hard time remembering things. But those of us still alive will never forget her moxy and firecracker spirit!

Graveside Service will be at Memory Gardens in Corpus Christi on April 10th, 2026 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you please make a donation in her name to Leukemia Research at Fredhutch.org or Alzheimer’s research at alz.org.