Doris Adkisson, born Doris Juanita Smith on November 18, 1932, is a name that rings true in the world of professional wrestling. Doris, as the mother of the famed Von Erich wrestling family, helped shape her children’s lives and careers, notably in the Texas wrestling scene. Her narrative is about strength, love, and heartache. This article dives into Doris Adkisson’s life, legacy, and the enduring influence she had.
Early Life and Background
Doris Juanita Smith was born in Louisiana in 1932. Doris was raised in a time and place when family values were important, and she went on to become a major figure in her own family. On June 23, 1950, she married Jack Barton Adkisson, commencing a partnership that would influence the destiny of one of wrestling history’s most significant families.
The Birth of the Von Erich Family
Doris and Jack Adkisson would eventually change their names to Fritz and Doris Von Erich, founding a wrestling dynasty. Over the years, they would have six children: Jack Jr., Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich. Each of these sons would go on to become a part of the wrestling world, with varying degrees of success and tragedy.
A Loving Mother to Wrestling Legends
Doris Adkisson’s role as the matriarch of the Von Erich family was not just that of a supportive wife but also a dedicated mother. While her husband Fritz was the driving force behind the Von Erich wrestling persona, Doris was the emotional backbone of the family. She nurtured her sons through their rise to fame in the world of wrestling, offering her love and wisdom as they faced the grueling demands of the sport.
The Tragic Losses of Doris Adkisson’s Sons
The Von Erich family was plagued by an overwhelming amount of tragedy. Doris lost five of her six sons, a heartbreaking reality that no mother should ever endure. David, who was considered the most promising of the Von Erich brothers, died of an apparent drug overdose in 1984. Later, Kerry, Mike, and Chris also passed away under tragic circumstances. Despite these immense losses, Doris’s strength and unwavering faith kept her moving forward.
Divorce and New Beginnings
In 1992, Doris and Fritz Von Erich divorced after over four decades of marriage. Their separation marked the end of an era in both their personal lives and the legacy of the Von Erichs as a united family. Despite the divorce, Doris remained a central figure in her sons’ lives, continuing to support them through the ups and downs of their careers and personal struggles.
Relocation to Hawaii
In the early 2000s, Doris moved to Hawaii, where she would live with her son Kevin Von Erich and his family. Kevin had settled in Kauai, where he raised his children on a 27-acre homestead. Doris found solace in the peace and tranquility of the Hawaiian islands, far from the tragic memories of the wrestling ring in Texas. Her time in Hawaii allowed her to rebuild her life and bond with her grandchildren.
Doris Adkisson’s Grandchildren
Doris’s grandchildren, including Lacey Von Erich, Kristen Rain, and Jillian Lindsey, were an important part of her later years. While the Von Erich wrestling legacy may have been marred by tragedy, the next generation carried forward the family name, with some even entering the wrestling world. Doris, though far removed from the limelight, continued to take pride in her family’s legacy.
The Final Years of Doris Adkisson’s Life
Doris spent her last years in Kauai, Hawaii, with Kevin and his family. Though she had witnessed immense pain and loss in her life, her faith in God and the love of her family kept her strong. In her final years, Doris had found a sense of peace, far from the grief-stricken legacy of her sons’ early deaths. She passed away on October 23, 2015, at the age of 82, after a battle with a broken heart that had endured too many years of pain.
The Legacy of Doris Adkisson
Doris Adkisson’s legacy extends far beyond the wrestling ring. She was a woman of immense strength, resilience, and grace. She was not just the mother of wrestling icons, but also a devoted woman of faith who carried the weight of her family’s legacy with pride and determination. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, Doris was a rock for those around her.
Doris Adkisson’s Impact on Wrestling History
The Von Erich family’s place in wrestling history is cemented, and Doris Adkisson is an essential part of that history. While her husband Fritz may have been the face of the family in the ring, Doris was the true heart of the Von Erichs. The legacy of the Von Erichs, with all its highs and lows, would not be what it is without the quiet strength of Doris.
Doris Adkisson’s Burial and Final Resting Place
Following her death in 2015, Doris Adkisson was laid to rest in Dallas, Texas, where she had spent much of her life with her family. Her burial marked the closing of a chapter in the Von Erich saga, a saga filled with both triumph and tragedy. Today, her gravesite stands as a testament to the incredible matriarch who shaped the lives of so many.
Conclusion: Remembering Doris Adkisson
Though Doris Adkisson is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the enduring impact she had on the wrestling world. Doris may have suffered unimaginable losses, but her resilience and unwavering love for her family continue to inspire those who remember the Von Erich family saga. Her story is one of courage, love, and the enduring power of family.
FAQ
Who was Doris Adkisson?
Doris Adkisson, born Doris Juanita Smith in 1932, was the matriarch of the Von Erich family, one of the most famous wrestling dynasties in history. She was the mother of six sons, five of whom tragically passed away young, and was married to Fritz Von Erich.
What happened to Doris Adkisson’s children?
Doris lost five of her six sons: David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich, all of whom died under tragic circumstances. David passed away from an apparent drug overdose in 1984, while the others died from various causes, including suicide and health issues.
When did Doris Adkisson die?
Doris Adkisson passed away on October 23, 2015, at the age of 82 in Kauai, Hawaii, where she had been living with her son Kevin and his family for the last few years of her life.
Where is Doris Adkisson buried?
Doris Adkisson was laid to rest in Dallas, Texas, where she had spent much of her life with her family.
