Doris Rollins Naylor

Doris was born on December 11, 1935 in northeast Madison County, the daughter of Ray and Dottie Rollins. She graduated with honors from Jackson High School in 1953. Until she became a stay at home mother, she worked at Tom Lawler's, the Jackson Water and Electric Departments, and Madison County Courthouse where she sold license plates every March. She was a dedicated election poll worker for many years.

Doris married the love of her life, Jack Naylor, on June 6, 1954 in Corinth, MS and gave birth to their only child, Kathryn Naylor Hunter, on July 27, 1955. She was an involved parent, serving as President of the Whitehall Elementary PTA and President of the Jackson Council of PTA's. She attended every recital, ball game, and school program that came along.

In her earlier years, Doris was very athletic. In high school, she excelled at basketball and track and was a champion high jumper. She would say that she often ran over a mile to school just for fun. As an adult, she played tennis, softball, volleyball, and loved all types of competitive games. Never a great swimmer, she decided to swim for exercise and proceeded to swim a mile a day at the YMCA for many years.

Doris was a funny lady who loved to tell jokes. She had no sense of direction which led to many interesting family road trips that ended up way off the beaten path. She was a voracious reader and loved the library. She was good with words and enjoyed writing poetry.

She was known for her delicious lemon icebox pies and homemade fudge that she shared with her many friends. Her friends meant the world to her, and she greatly missed the company of her best buddies, Dora Jane Ross and Ann Galey who preceded her in death.

Doris was a beloved grandmother to Stephen and Emily Hunter who spent Friday nights at the Naylor house beginning when they were just infants. She was a lifeline for her daughter Kathy in caring for Stephen who was diagnosed as autistic when he was a toddler. She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments and would brag about them to anyone who would listen. She was unselfish with her time and was always available for her family when there was a need.

She loved her church, Aldersgate United Methodist, where she had served on many committees and was instrumental in the formation of the Pathfinders Sunday School Class and Bonnie Faye Circle of UMW.

In addition to her parents, Ray and Dottie Rollins, Doris was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Rollins Beasley; son-in-law, Kevin Hunter; and her mother in law, Lucille Stephens Johnson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack Naylor; daughter, Kathryn (Kathy) Naylor Hunter; grandson, Stephen Ramsey Hunter; granddaughter, Emily Kathryn Hunter; sister, Gearline Fullerton; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening, January 4, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 with visitation at the church beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Asbury Communities of Tennessee (ACT) which provides housing for grandson, Stephen. Send all memorials to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1050 North Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305.

George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555