Doris Jean Smith

Doris Jean Smith was born in Canton, Mississippi and was the second child born to the union of Henry Lee Pate and Betty Pate on July 14, 1940. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Jessie Pate, Willie Lee Smith, Tommy (Tecora) Pate; son, Derrick Pate, Sr., and grandson, Darrell (DJ) Jackson, Jr.

Doris was educated in the Indianapolis public school system and graduated from Shortridge High School. While growing up, she was nicknamed “Honey” because of her beautiful skin complexion and blonde colored hair.

Doris entered into the workforce and was gainfully employed with many reputable companies; however, her longest tenure of employment was at General Motors. She was employed with them for over 30 years and retired in 2001.

Doris had many hobbies. She found great pleasure in traveling. Of all of her experiences, her most memorable trip was her cruise to the Bahamas. She was a gardener and looked forward to that time of calmness and peacefulness. Seeing the healthy growth of different types of plants and vegetables definitely showed her green thumb. Her favorite flower was a rose, and it was no surprise that her favorite color was red.

Doris was a classy and charming lady who always wanted the best. Her exquisite taste and interests were reflected in her home, her cars, and her attire. She was a meticulous shopper of quality things, and took pride in the collectibles her son and daughter-in-law brought her from Germany.

Doris was a lover of her family! If she saw a need, she would do her best to take care of it. She especially loved her children, adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spoiled them tremendously. Additionally, she reared her grandson, DJ, to ensure there were no gaps in his upbringing.

Doris accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. Later in life, she joined New Zion M.B. Church in Beloit, WI. She was always happy to be in attendance, and found great joy in worshipping and fellowshipping with her Christian sisters and brothers.

Doris moved to Wisconsin in 1995, and later made residence with her daughter, Angela and son-in-law, Darius in Milwaukee in 2017. As her health began to fail in December 2018, her daughter and granddaughter, Dorian, became her caregivers. On Sunday, August, 17, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family, she answered the Master’s call to go to her heavenly home.

Doris Jean Smith leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Tony Jackson, Sr., Darrell Jackson, Sr.; one daughter, Angela (Darius) Crockett; one brother, Cleo Pate; five grandchildren, Tony Jackson, Jr., Dominique Green, Derrick Pate, Jr., Dorian Crockett, Jamaal Wilson; eight great-grandchildren, Mariah Jackson, Isaiah Jackson, Noah Ford, Imani Crockett, Ami’yah Crockett, Kalis Pate, Te’ana Jackson, TaiCeyona Jackson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation for Doris will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.