Doris Jean Sherburne

Doris, a remarkable woman of strength, grace, and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024 at the age of 96. Born during the hardships of the Great Depression, Doris led a humble yet incredible life, marked by her deep commitment to serving others and her immense capacity for love.

Throughout her life, Doris embodied the spirit of a servant's heart. She navigated the challenges of World War II, standing by her husband's side as he took her across the country. Despite the constant moves and the uncertainty that came with them, she remained a pillar of strength and love for her family.

In the 1960s, Doris faced the unique challenges of raising a child with Down Syndrome at a time when society lacked understanding and support. With immense love, patience, and resilience, she became an advocate and a fierce protector, always ensuring her children were cherished and celebrated. Her home was a sanctuary of love and care, as she also opened her doors to foster children, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.

Raising four children takes much patience, tough skin, and a strong sense of humor. Doris encompassed all three traits. Her children will cherish the memories of trips to the library, the hours spent serving at church, and singing along while she played from the Lutheran hymnal on the old upright piano. She encouraged her children to try new things, even if the result included a big mess in the kitchen, wasted fabric from a botched sewing experiment, or a dent in the side of her precious station wagon after a field trip to an abandoned silver mine (don’t tell dad!). She sometimes had to put her own fears aside as she helped them explore their interests. Although she was NOT a horse person, she bravely helped pull porcupine quills from a horse’s nose.

Doris was a devoted member of every church she ever attended, serving with all her heart through various capacities. Guided by her faith, she was known for her kindness, generosity, and selflessness, touching countless lives with her warmth and compassion, all while inspiring those around her.

Doris is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joel Waldo Sherburne, her son, Michael Lee Sherburne, and her daughter, Jo Lynn Sherburne.

Doris is survived by her daughters Rebecca Hill of Brunswick and Jolene Eyetoo of Towac, Colorado. Her grandchildren include Edward Sherburne, Tonja Sherburne, Taryn Abel, Sarah Mizell, Jason Sherburne, Morgan Ausburn and Cheyenne Ausburn. Doris was also blessed with seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and eleven great, great grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith. Her life was a testament to the power of a servant's heart and the impact one person can have through humility, resilience, and unwavering dedication and love to others.

A celebration of Doris’s life will be held on September 3, 2024 at Oaklawn Cemetery, Mabank, Texas. Because of Doris’ life long passion for rescuing and spoiling cats, the family requests donations be made in honor of Doris to The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, in lieu of flowers.

Doris will be deeply missed but her spirit and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.