Annell Dorris

Cora Annell Graham Dorris was born January 23, 1943, in Freer, Texas, to Elbert Herman and Faye Coker
Graham. One of six daughters, Annell grew up in the middle of it all, whether it be helping with her daddy’s
Brahman cattle, in the kitchen with her momma making chicken and dumplings, or out and about experiencing
small town life. She was a friend to all and always willing to stand in the gap for those in need. She graduated
from Freer High School in 1962 and began her college career at Texas A&I University in Kingsville but
completed her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. While attending A&I,
Annell met Jerry Dean Dorris at the boarding house where they both were living. The two were married on
June 6, 1964.
Over the next 15 years, the couple followed Jerry’s job with Southern Union Production between Texas and
New Mexico, expanding their family along the way. Ben Troy was born in El Paso in 1968, Jody Lon in
Farmington, New Mexico, in 1970, and Todd Grant in Dallas in 1974. In 1978, the family settled in Uvalde,
where they became owners of Roadrunner Energy, Inc. and have served Uvalde County and the surrounding
area since.
Annell was a dedicated business partner in the propane industry as well as being active in the community with
El Progreso Memorial Library, Uvalde Grand Opera House, and the Uvalde Methodist Church. She enjoyed
any opportunity to host, playing dominos, board games or cards, painting, reading, and relaxing at the family
ranch. Annell will be remembered for her stern but loving demeanor, unconditional generosity, thoughtful notes
and letters, and impromptu adventures that followed the mantra, “It is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask
permission”.
Annell passed away at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the age of 80. She
was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three sisters, Betty Fowler, LaQuinta Palmer, and
Judy Hanna. She was mother to Ben Dorris of Uvalde, Jody Dorris of Leakey, and Todd Dorris with wife Blair
of Uvalde. She was Darlin’ to Ellenore Faye, Brynnan, and Tate Graham Dorris of Uvalde. She is also
survived by two sisters, Deborah Ledoux of Palestine and Jerri Luster of Mulberry, Florida, along with
numerous nieces, nephews, and members of her extended Dorris family.
A celebration of life will be held at Uvalde Methodist Church, 301 North High, on Saturday, August 12, at
10:30am with Pastor Scott Bradford officating. Her ashes will be buried at the Dorris Ranch in Leakey later in
the fall.
In lieu of flowers, donations/memorials can be made to El Progreso Memorial Library, 301 West Main, Uvalde,
Texas 78801 or Uvalde Grand Opera House, City of Uvalde, PO Box 799, Uvalde, Texas 78802.