Doris M. Holyfield

She was born January 31, 1923 in Surry County, NC, daughter of the late James Anderson Mills and Lula Mann Mills. Doris was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Evan W. Holyfield, who died in 1995. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Ovila M. Briggs and Thelma M. Coe; brothers, Franklin and Leonard Mills.

Doris graduated from Copeland High School, Mount Airy, NC and was a long time employee of Pelton and Crane in Charlotte. She had many friends and loved her church and church family. Doris served her Lord faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School leader, Women in the Church president and Circle Chairman. She received the Life Membership Award in women’s work in the Presbyterian Church, PCUS. She was a member of the former Thomasboro Presbyterian Church and a charter member of Freedom Presbyterian Church, PCA. Doris was a faithful prayer-warrior and had a heart for missions. She was blessed with a loving heart and gentle spirit. She loved being a homemaker and was a wonderful cook.

Doris is survived by nieces, Florence Collins, Salem, VA, Darlene Thomas (Ronald), Glade Springs, VA, Frankie Key, Sanford, NC, Brenda Helms, Charlotte, NC and Barry Lewis, Columbia, SC; nephews, Russell Briggs (Myrtle), Roanoke, VA, John C. Briggs (Zona), Woodlawn, VA, Tommy Briggs (Carolyn) Hillsville, VA, Paul Briggs (Joann), Waynesboro, VA, Larry Coe (Betty), Cameron, NC, Terry Mills (Sue), Mount Airy, NC, Gary Mills, (Wayburn), Wilson, NC, Neil Cathey (Mary), Fort Mill, SC, Steve Cathey (Elicia), Cortez, CO and Warren Holyfield, Hazel Green, AL; sisters-in-law, Eva H. Cathey, Charlotte, NC, Ruth B. Mills, Mount Airy, NC; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.

A funeral service of worship and praise celebrating Doris’ life will be held at Freedom Presbyterian Church, PCA, 1646 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 3:00 PM conducted by Rev. Gene Craven. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Luther Bartlett, Wayne Brown, Christopher Brown, Steve Lockler, David Lockwood, Jerry Miller, Danny McClure and Adam VanZant. Nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family requests memorials honoring Doris be sent to Freedom Presbyterian Church, 1646 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 or Harris Hospice Unit at Presbyterian Hospital, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the following caregivers: Eva Cathey, Larry Coe, Kim Cooke, Frankie Key, David and Teddy Lockwood, Danny and Elicia McClure and Gayle Moore.