Doris Emma Baker Simonse

Doris Emma Baker Simonse, 83, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2019 at Oaks of Mayview in Raleigh. Born on May 1, 1936 in Princeton, NJ; she was the daughter of the late William Baker and Emma Brown Baker. Doris met Casey Simonse in the summer of 1956 at a party at Carnegie Lake. They dated five years before marrying in Hightstown, NJ.

When she graduated high school, Doris worked in the Finance Department for Educational Testing. She later became a homemaker devoting her time to raising her children. In her younger years, Doris was part of a ladies bowling league, enjoyed reading books, gardening and doing ceramics.

Doris was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother and an inspiration to everyone. Although she struggled over 50 years with Rheumatoid Arthritis destroying most of her body; her heart and spirit remained joyful and she was a blessing to everyone she met. She was remembered most for her smile and generosity. Family was everything to Doris and she always made sure that the whole family including extended family were together for holidays, birthdays and Sunday family dinners.

She enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and having cookouts in the backyard. The neighbors also enjoyed decorating the house of whomever had gone out of town. You never knew what your front yard would look like when returning from vacation.

Doris is survived by her husband of 58 years: Cornelius “Casey” B. Simonse, of Raleigh; daughters: Debra “Debbie” Roten, of Raleigh, NC, Linda Stiles, of Lumberton, NJ, Karen and Jeff Hancock, of Garner, NC; grandchildren: Phillip Stiles, Kayla Stiles, Zachary Hancock, Alyssa Hancock; and brothers: Harvey and Dawn Baker, William (Bill) and Carol Baker; and by other family and friends.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, July 6, 2019 from 1-2 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh), with Funeral Services to begin at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Private Family Graveside Services will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation - 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600 - Atlanta, GA 30309 or St. Marks United Methodist Church - 4801 Six Forks Rd - Raleigh, NC 27609.