Doris Decker Marshall

DORIS JENNIE DECKER MARSHALL of Martinsville went home to be with her Lord on July 27, 2014, at Blue Ridge Rehab. She was the faithful wife of Charles B. Marshall, MD. She was born on Sept. 6, 1925, to Earle Scott Decker and Jennie DuVall Decker in Middletown, NY.

Doris obtained her RN in 1946 at Flower-Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York City. In 1947 she enrolled in the State Public Health Nursing program in Syracuse, NY, where she met her future husband. They were married on June 11, 1949. The Marshalls moved to Martinsville in 1957 with their three daughters.

Doris was predeceased by her parents and one sister, Shirley D. Klimek. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, three daughters, Gael M. Chaney and husband Smith Chaney of Martinsville, Jodi M. White of Charlottesville, and Shirley Marshall of Ridgeway; one son, Peter Decker Marshall of Martinsville; one brother, Robert F. Decker of Gloucester and wife Helen; eight grandchildren, Marshall Chaney and wife Alexandria, Bennett Chaney, Ruth-Decker Chaney, Aerial White and wife Rachel, Jennifer Wilkes and husband Brian, Trevor White, Corrie Lawson and husband Chris, Dr. Caleb Hundley and wife Nina, also five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris was beloved by her family and many friends as she demonstrated her love for her Lord by helping others in many capacities. She dedicated her life to raising her four children and was a champion volunteer. She served as the local Red Cross nursing chairman for many years and other roles; the Red Cross awarded her the Clara Barton Award for her service. She also volunteered with the hospital auxiliary, Presbyterian Women, the local health department as a volunteer nurse, and the Girl Scouts. She was a wonderful cook, and her family especially remembers that she made the best pies.

In 1977, Doris and Chuck began their Christian medical mission career, traveling and working together in 19 countries over a thirty-year period. For 25 years between mission trips and after retiring, Doris taught in the Open Arms Sunday School class for intellectually disabled adults at First United Methodist Church. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Pregnancy Care Center MHC, 314 Fairy St, Suite E, Martinsville, VA.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 29, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville with the Rev. Rusty Reaser and Dr. Dan Woods officiating.

Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park.

To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.