Doris Valls

After a long, happy, and faith-filled life, Doris Duke Valls passed away, peacefully, on December 13, 2020, at the age of 90. Born on September 18, 1930, she was the third child and only daughter of Consuelo and I. W. Duke. She grew up in the Heights neighborhood in Laredo and attended Martin High School where she was in the Tiger Marching Band. She was presented by the Society of Martha Washington in 1947, and 1948.  She enrolled at Texas Women’s University, where she participated in intramural tennis, badminton, and synchronized swimming. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education in 1952 and returned to Texas Women’s University during her subsequent summer breaks to earn her Masters Degree in Physical Education. In 1970 she returned to school to earn a supervisory teacher’s certificate at Texas A&I Kingsville.

Doris began teaching at Martin High School in 1952 as a physical education teacher and tennis coach. She also taught swimming to many area children. While teaching at Martin she met one of the Track and Field Coaches, Alfonzo “Lefty” Valls and married him three years later.

For over twenty years, she taught thousands of children Physical Education while traveling to all the elementary schools of the Laredo Independent School District. Thereafter she served as the Supervisor of the LISD Elementary P.E. Department and later also became the Supervisor of the LISD Elementary Music Department.

She retired from LISD after 42 years and enjoyed her days with Lefty staying active, visiting with her children and grandchildren, and traveling with friends and family.

For Doris, education was not only her profession; it was her passion. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional organization for women educators. She was also involved in other local organizations. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of Martha Washington, and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Doris was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 57 years, Lefty; by her parents, I. W. and Consuelo S. Duke; and by her brothers, Ralph (Gloria) Duke and Dr. James Duke.

She is survived by her children: Cynthia (Kyle Hunter) Valls, Dr. Patrick Valls, Kenneth (Carmen) Valls, and Mark (Amy) Valls; grandchildren: Nelson and London Hunter-Valls, Lauren and Nathan Valls, Evan

Valls, and Owen Valls; sister-in-law: Rosemary Green Duke; brother-in-law: William (Minerva) Valls; as well as many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

The family would like to thank all of her doctors and professional personnel, as well as her devoted caregivers: Rossy, Vicky, Chelo, Pepe, and Lupita. We also wish to thank the many friends and family members that have expressed their love towards our mother, and sympathy on behalf of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given toward making a donation in her memory to: Bethany House of Laredo, 819 Hidalgo, Laredo, Texas 78040; https://www.bethanyhouseoflaredo.org

In observance of pandemic protocols, all funeral services will be held privately. A virtual memorial service and celebration of life will be held after the holidays, on a date yet to be determined. Please email dorisvallsmemorial@gmail.com and provide an email address to indicate that you wish to be included, and a notification will be sent out when a date has been set.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.