Bebe’s Story

Site created on January 2, 2021

Welcome to Bebe's CaringBridge website.  My name is Brittney, and I am honored to share Bebe's story with you.

Upon struggling with some balance issues, headaches and vision changes, Bebe underwent several tests including an MRI which revealed that she has a brain tumor in the pons section of the brainstem.  This tumor is pressing on her cerebellum causing her symptoms.  She received this diagnosis on 12/26/2020.  On Tuesday 12/29/2020 she and Kyle went to see a Neurosurgeon who promptly admitted Bebe to the hospital in order to administer a steroid via IV to reduce swelling in her brain, run a multitude of tests and perform a biopsy.  The steroid worked in reducing the swelling, and Bebe began to feel better as the symptoms eased up and even at times subsided.  The biopsy was performed on Thursday morning 12/31/2020 and results obtained thus far show that the tumor is a pontine glioma and is malignant.  Due to the location of the tumor, it is inoperable and there is no cure.  However, there is a treatment plan of radiation (30 treatments, M-F for six weeks) and a chemo pill.  Kyle and Bebe have a consultation with her Radiation team on Tuesday 1/5/2021 to discuss the treatment plan which would likely begin in 2-3 weeks once the biopsy incision has healed.

This news is shocking and hard to process.  Once you catch your breath, my guess is that your first desire is to want to help in any way you can.  We will use this website to keep you up to date on Bebe's health journey as well as specific ways you can help.  Bebe and Kyle need your prayers right now.  Please pray for healing and leave a message of encouragement in the Well Wishes section on this website.  Physical cards and notes can be sent to Bebe at this address:  527 Belle Pointe Court, Nashville, TN  37221.   

If you know Bebe, you love Bebe.  She is as strong as they come.  Every hardship she has endured has prepared her for this journey.  My prayer is for healing and for her to be flooded by love and support.  I have been amazed at her attitude as she has absorbed the initial "earthquake" of life altering news as well as the subsequent aftershocks.  She is looking for the positives everywhere, focusing on hope, and recognizing her blessings.  A couple verses have come to mind repeatedly as I have talked with Bebe this past week.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.  Romans 15:13

Thanks for visiting this site and letting Bebe feel your support!


  


Newest Update

Journal entry by brittney touchton

Elizabeth “Bebe” Oldham Dorris

October 10, 1971 - April 29, 2021

NASHVILLE  --  Age 49, Elizabeth “Bebe” Oldham Dorris of Nashville, TN Although no one was prepared to lose Bebe so soon, it is comforting to know that she transitioned from the arms of her beloved husband into the welcoming embrace of her mother in heaven. Bebe’s four month battle with brain cancer was valiant and inspirational.

Bebe was preceded in death by parents, Robert Dean “Bobby” and Elizabeth Gotto Oldham; brother, Robert Dean Oldham Jr.; cousin, Lynn Doramus.

She is survived by her husband, Kyle Wayne Dorris of Nashville; stepchildren, Logan and Addison Dorris of Portland; nephews, Robert Dean Oldham III of Chicago and Jackson Spalding of Franklin; aunts, Libby Oldham Massie of Nashville and Beverly (Mert) Sloan of Brentwood; cousins, Lori (Dr. Dan) Canale of Franklin, Sarah Neeley of Nashville, Chris (Shannon) Sloan of Nashville and Benji (Tova) Sloan of Barcelona, Spain. Bebe was amazed by and so grateful for the loving efforts of her many devoted friends. She considered them all part of her family.

Bebe was born in Nashville, TN and grew up in the West End area. She enjoyed making childhood memories on the Oldham family farm in Hartsville. Bebe attended David Lipscomb Elementary, Middle and High School where she excelled in cheerleading, track and tennis.  Upon graduating in 1990, she was off to the University of Alabama where she made many lifelong friends in the Tri Delta sorority.  After two years in Alabama, Bebe returned to Nashville to care for her ailing mother and continued her college studies at MTSU. Upon graduating from MTSU in 1994, Bebe began her career as Director of Social Services at The Meadows.  Over her career, spanning two decades with The Meadows, Bebe continually advanced in responsibilities and spent the last ten years there as Nursing Home Administrator.  She was beloved by the residents, their families, and her co-workers. 

Her personal life experiences instilled in her a deep well of compassion for the elderly which made her a truly authentic caregiver.  In the years following her career at The Meadows she continued to pursue that passion by providing personal one on one caregiving and was blessed to serve so many wonderful families including the Hill family.  Their mother Cynthia and Bebe were two peas in a pod; they shared so much fun and friendship in their time together.

Bebe always stayed positive and kept moving forward no matter what obstacles she encountered throughout her life.  She viewed life as a thrill a minute and lived it to the fullest.  Bebe had a deep love of travelling, especially trips to the beach or going on cruises with friends.  She was always ready for a good time and could be counted on to be the life of the party.  She judged no one and simply loved everyone.  Her beautiful smile, boisterous laugh, and kind heart will be missed but never forgotten.       

The celebration of Bebe’s life will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at The Pavilion at Harpeth Hills, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bebe’s memory to:

The National Brain Tumor Society-

https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/BebeDorrisMemorial

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