Doris Cordray Byrd

Doris Cordray Byrd danced her way into Heaven to meet her Lord on June 9, 2022. Fred and Katie Cordray welcomed their daughter into this World on June 18, 1924, in Jacksonville, Florida. Affectionately known as Dottie, she claimed the great State of Florida “home” for 97 years, 356 days.

A childhood highlight for Dottie was the Family trip to the 1939 New York World’s Fair, where television was introduced to the American people. Upon graduation from Fletcher Senior High School in 1942, Dottie worked for the Atlantic National Bank. Her love of music and dancing inspired Dottie’s contribution to the war effort: Volunteer Service at the USO. The “Flag” in Jacksonville Beach was also a popular spot to jitterbug, Lindy Hop, shag and swing.

The Byrds, Cordrays, and Weavers built post war lives on Third Avenue North in Jacksonville Beach. While not exactly Norman Rockwell, life was magical. Children played outside from dawn-to-dusk. Neighborhood cookouts and Fletcher sports dominated the day. Dottie spent summers at her parents’ Highlands Manor in North Carolina. She delighted in hiking with guests up Sunrise/Sunset Mountain for picnics. Square dancing and roller skating at Helen's Barn were favorites on cool summer nights.

Dottie’s was a familiar face at the Family business Beaches Sporting Goods. She returned to her banking roots and was the friendly voice proclaiming “Good Morning, Ocean State Bank! How may I help you?”

Dottie was an “enthusiastic” shopper: Regency Square, The Avenues, Town Center, Avonlea, Goodwill and every place in between. She read cookbooks like novels and lovingly shared her creations with others. Dottie was a founding member of Palms Presbyterian Church.

Dottie is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Katie Cordray, brother, Fred “Bud” Cordray, sister-in-law, Pat Cordray, her namesake, Aunt Dottie and “Unc” Weaver, and nephew-in-law, Allen Rockafellow.

She is survived by her sons, Jim (Ginny), Gene “Bubba,” and Shawn, grandchildren, Cord (Esther), Clint (Shelly), Brantley (Heather), Katie, Riley, and Cammie, great grandchildren, Lexie, Liam, and Leyton, nephew, Mike Cordray (Julie), niece, Cindy Cordray Rockafellow, great nephews and nieces, cousins, and loving friends of all ages.

Dear Shawn: For decades you have fulfilled God’s Commandment to “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.” Your Family is eternally grateful.

There will be a private burial at H. Warren Smith Cemetery. Dottie’s Family invites Friends to join them for fellowship on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 12:30 p.m., at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach FL, 32250

Please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. Dottie would like that.