She was born on January 4, 1933 in Jackson, TN, the daughter of Carmon D. Simmons and Vera Johnson Simmons. Mildred grew up in the Bear Creek Community near Pinson and attended Pinson School and Malesus High School. She married her husband, David Dorris in 1949 and celebrated 50 years together prior to his passing in 2000. Three sons, Ronnie, Larry, and Steve were born of their union.
Mildred worked as a bookkeeper and later as a typist with South Central Bell and AT&T Telephone retiring in 1999. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening as well as raising various fruits and berries. Daily Bible reading and devotionals were important to her.
Mildred's priorities in life were serving God, her family, and her church. She faithfully served and taught children's Sunday school for 50 years at the Bemis Pentecostal Church and later prior to suffering a stroke, served at Love and Truth Church in Jackson.
Her unwavering passion was witnessing to others about Jesus Christ. Passing out Sunday school tracts door to door or wherever she went was common.
Mildred's travels were devoted to sharing the gospel abroad. Under the Foreign Mission Department of the Southern Baptist Convention, she was blessed to build 3 churches in Brazil and travel to the Soviet Union passing out the Holy Bible and witnessing to the Russian People the gospel of Jesus.
Mildred is survived by her son, Larry Dorris (Debbie) and Steve Dorris (Joann); daughter in law, Stephenia Dorris; granddaughters, Christy Catlett (Ricky) and Samantha Dorris; grandson, Brandon Dorris (Christy); her great grandchildren are Blake Catlett, Taylor Catlett, Tori Catlett, Adyson Catlett, and Tyler Dorris. She is also survived by her brother, Horace Simmons (Mickie); and her sister, Doris Geater also survive.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, David; son, Ronnie; sister, Frances; brother, Jessee; granddaughter, Abigail; and daughter-in-law, Teresa.
In honor of Mildred's incredible life, there will be a graveside service on Sunday October 8, 2023 at 2:00 at Bear Creek Cemetery in Pinson, TN located at the corner of Bear Creek and Cedarfield Rd. in Pinson. Reverend Bill Luther and Dr. Ricky Catlett will be officiating.
The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to Love and Truth Ministries Foreign Missions, 565 Oil Well Rd., Jackson, TN 38305.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GASmithandSonsFuneralHome.com for the Dorris family.
