Doris was born in Dimmitt, Texas on December 30, 1927, to the late Marion and Elwa (Rea) Avery. She moved frequently in her early years before graduating from Leesburg (FL) High School and attending Auburn University in Auburn, AL, where she met the love of her life, Ralph Child Bain. They were married on December 26, 1948, and shortly thereafter moved to Shreveport, LA where Ralph was employed.
Early on, Doris was a full-time homemaker for three boys. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. In August 1966, she moved to Evansville, IN when Ralph was transferred to head up the local operations of Arkla in Evansville. Her time in Evansville deepened her personal walk with the LORD, and increased her involvement in discipling others. The young ladies that she led in local Bible studies during the 1970’s would be the first to tell you that Doris had a profound influence on their own personal walk with the Lord. Later, Doris and Ralph acquired the Mustard Seed Christian bookstore and owned it for several years.
In the early 1980’s, Doris’ role shifted to loving grandmother and full-time caretaker of Ralph, as he began to show signs of a decade-long illness that ultimately led to his untimely death in 1995. During that time, Doris also served as Director of Christian Education at Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Newburgh, IN. After Ralph’s death, Doris relocated to Raleigh, NC in 1998.
Doris is survived by her sons Ralph Child “Chic” (Cindy) Bain of Austin, TX, Kevin (Sarah) Bain of Evansville, and Scott (Michele) Bain of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren Graham Taylor, Emily Bain Murphy, Hannah Bain, Andrew Bain, Joshua Bain, Molly Spragins, Naomi Bain, and great-grandchildren Raleigh Rose Taylor, James Murphy, Cecilia Murphy, Zoey Bain, Eli Bain, Sadie Spragins, and Finley Spragins. Each of these family members has benefited from her diligent prayers, as Doris came from a long line of ‘prayer warriors’ and continued that tradition up until her death.
The family would like to express their grateful appreciation for the Raleigh caregivers who blessed Doris with their gracious service during her last months.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband Ralph; her parents; sisters Vennis, Veda, Dena; and brother Marion.
A service of celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Alexander East Chapel. A private burial service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Alexander East from 9 a.m. until the service begins.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Study Fellowship; The Rex Healthcare Foundation – Special Care Nursery (Raleigh); or the American Bible Society.
