There are many vectors in life that shape a person's character, will, and stamina. Paul Harvey always told the rest of the story. Doris was born on October 31, 1926, 90 years ago, Halsell, AL, to her parents Beatrice and Thomas Smith in an era of modest means, kerosene lamps, wood fires for heat and cooking on a shotgun cast iron stove. She was just turning three years old when the Great Depression began, lasting 10 years. Times were different then, life was very difficult and hunger rampant. Among Doris' daily chores was to fetch water from the outside spring on cold dawn mornings before breakfast. By age 12 her uncle Paul Lewis, a guiding light and mentor for Doris and other kindred, helped her to live with an aunt and uncle, Ruby and J.I. Gibbins, and at times with her grandmother Mary Elizabeth Lewis (Mollie). Vividly I remember this woman creating entertainment and never turning her nose up at any obstacle she was faced with, and always called us kids by our first and middle names, a family custom. Mardi Gras in New Orleans-catching doubloons and dancing in the street with the crowd. Any chance to dance and do her Barefootin ( youtube ). Driving to Bay Saint Lewis Bridge at 2:00 A.M., walk to light pole 13 and fish until morning. Another was digging up a chimney in a pre Civil War home we once lived in. Mom was looking for buried gold hidden from Union troops. Mom had a map! We didn't find any gold but it was an adventure. Once, at the Richton Theatre, mom upholstered almost 200 seats and painted their supports. Dad did his part by bringing more canvas and paint. Mom also painted and help manage the C W C Drive In Theatre, Richton, MS,, named after us kids, and created her own sauces for burgers and hot dogs. Beats McDonalds. Richton was a town that rolled up the sidewalks at 5:00 P.M. and gossip that was faster across town than a car speeding at 100 miles per hour. But now, like a phantom limb, you have become phantom life to me. You will always be with me in memories and all others I share your memories with. Mom, I will miss sharing my life with yours. Love you. Charles Thomas

The picture is Doris Annie,granddaughter proudly named after mine and Wayne's mothers.

Mom believed in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Sunday afternoon was one of Mom's and my regular programs--John Hageea teacher as well as a pastor. We were both on the same most important page that this world is temporary, not just us being in it, but God's plans for it, that He loves us, Jesus loves us.

I am writing about my special grandmother "Grammy" who is in God's Kingdom now. She was a synergistic part of our family, and the best grandmother I could have ever had. 

The last few years are the most cherished memories that we were fortunate enough to share in as a family, with time and conversations focused on her, family, food, crafts, current events, and what the future may have in store for us all. 

She shared many of her talents with us and in particular one I really appreciate, was teaching me jewelry making. She enjoyed making jewelry - she had her own retro style that is timeless. Anything she ever set her mind to, she did with precision and focus, making her work a piece of art. 

The earliest recollection of her imparting to me one of her many talents, was when I was 5 years old, she taught me how to make and sew together a Barbie doll dress - it was a Naples blue color - which I still have!

This woman was a fighter for living life to its fullest and we all helped her stay that way - which she appreciated.

I am honored that she was my grandmother, and honored that she wanted me to pick from four of her dresses - one to be buried in. That was a few months ago and at that time she was doing good with her health and independent as usual, I might add! I thought to myself that wouldn't be a problem, have all the time in the world, so it didn't sink in until I had to make the decision, which was one of the hardest I ever made. After many tears, I decided on the dress she is wearing, because she liked bold colors which always look good on her, especially her complexion and hair. I asked Mom to pick out some socks with grip on the soles. Because of Grammys back problems, Mom used to put them on every night before bed, and Grammy was like a kid being pampered - but very appreciative of the help. Mom chose the green ones to match the dress.

Grammy was a fighter till the end. A pillar of strength, I will always aspire to. I will always love you Grammy and I know, one day, we will all be in God's Kingdom.

Love, 
Ivy

I am writing about my special grandmother "Grammy" who is in God's Kingdom now.  She was a synergistic part of our family, and the best grandmother I could have ever had. 

The last few years are the most cherished memories that we were fortunate enough to share in as a family, with time and conversations focused on her, family, food, crafts, current events, and what the future may have in store for us all. 

She shared many of her talents with us and in particular one I really appreciate, was teaching me jewelry making.  She enjoyed making jewelry - she had her own retro style that is timeless.  Anything she ever set her mind to, she did with precision and focus, making her work a piece of art. 

The earliest recollection of her imparting to me one of her many talents, was when I was 5 years old, she taught me how to make and sew together a Barbie doll dress - it was a Naples blue color - which I still have!

This woman was a fighter for living life to its fullest and we all helped her stay that way - which she appreciated.

I am honored that she was my grandmother, and honored that she wanted me to pick from four of her dresses - one to be buried in.  That was a few months ago and at that time she was doing good with her health and independent as usual, I might add!  I thought to myself that wouldn't be a problem, have all the time in the world, so it didn't sink in until I had to make the decision, which was one of the hardest I ever made.  After many tears, I decided on the dress she is wearing, because she liked bold colors which always look good on her, especially her completion and hair.  I asked Mom to pick out some socks with grip on the soles.  Because of Grammys back problems, Mom used to put them on every night before bed, and Grammy was like a kid being pampered - but very appreciative of the help.  Mom chose the green ones to match the dress.

Grammy was a fighter till the end.  A pillar of strength, I will always aspire to.  I will always love you Grammy and I know, one day, we will all be in God's Kingdom.

Love, 
Ivy

There many vectors in life that shape a person's character, will, and stamina.  Paul Harvey always told the rest of the story.  Doris was born on October 31, 1926, 90 years ago, Halsell, AL, to her parents Beatrice and Thomas Smith in an era of modest means, kerosene lamps, wood fires for heat and cooking on a shotgun cast iron stove.  She was just turning three years old when the Great Depression began, lasting 10 years.  Times were different then, life was very difficult and hunger rampant.   Among Doris' daily chores was to fetch water from the outside spring on cold dawn mornings before breakfast.  By age 12 her uncle Paul Lewis, a guiding light and mentor for Doris and other kindred, helped her to live with an aunt and uncle, Ruby and J.I. Gibbins, and at times with her grandmother Mary Elizabeth Lewis (Mollie).  Vividly I remember this woman creating entertainment and never turning her nose up at any obstacle she was faced with, and always called us kids by our first and middle names, a family custom.  Mardi Gras in New Orleans-catching doubloons and dancing in the street with the crowd.  Any chance to dance and do her Barefootin ( youtube ).  Driving to Bay Saint Lewis Bridge at 2:00 A.M., walk to light pole 13 and fish until morning.  Another was digging up a chimney in a pre Civil War home we once lived in.  Mom was looking for buried gold hidden from Union troops.  Mom had a map!  We didn't find any gold but it was an adventure.  Once, at the Richton Theatre, mom recanvased almost 200 seats and painted their supports.  Dad did his part by bringing more canvas and paint.  Mom also painted the CWC Drive In Theatre, named after us kids, in Richton, and created her own sauces for burgers and hot dogs.  Beats McDonalds.  Richton was a town that rolled up the sidewalks at 5:00 P.M. and gossip that was faster across town than a car speeding at 100 miles per hour.  But now, like a phantom limb, you have become phantom life to me. You will always be with me in memories and all others I share your memories with.  Mom, I will miss sharing my life with yours.  Love you.  Charles Thomas

HE Will Raise Her Up On Eagle's Wings,

Bear Her On The Breath Of Dawn,

Make Her To Shine Like The Sun,

And Hold Her In The Palm Of HIS Hand.

From Psalm 91

So sorry for the loss of your precious Mother.  Doris was always so kind to me and she really loved her cousin James L "Roy" Gibbens.  Prayers for the family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Doris Smith

31 octobre 1926 – 24 janvier 2017

Radney Funeral Home - Mobile

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