Doris Marguerite Riggs was born on August 10th, 1932, and lived a full life. She grew up on a share-croppers farm until her teenage years when they moved to the city of Demopolis, Alabama. She had an older Sister, Dorothy, and like most siblings they contended with each other, but they remained close throughout their life. She started working at the early age of 16 at the five and dime store. She had a strong work ethic that would carry her throughout her life. She had her first son Joseph when she was 18, and John followed 4 years later. She lost James Phillip after child-birth which was very difficult on her. She was married to Basile Smith in 1953, and they were married for 24 years. In 1969 she became an ordained minister where she worked alongside Basile for some time. She started working for National Can as an inspector, and worked there for 16 years until she took early retirement because the company moved locations. Throughout her career she worked 4 days on and 4 days off, 12 hr night shifts, so her schedule was always fluctuating. She made sure to stay involved in her children’s lives as she loved to shower her grandchildren with hugs, gifts, and LOTS of pictures. During her last stage of life, she developed macular degenerate eye disease what proved to be very difficult for her because of the independence she had for most of her life. She was cared for during these years by her grandson’s Robert and Jason, and their families. During her last 2 weeks she suffered a stroke, and did not recover passing away peacefully at the age of 84 due to natural causes. She talked frequently about wanting to see her loved ones in heaven, and acknowledged that she had a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are comforted knowing that she is no longer bound by the ailments of her body, and celebrating in heaven with those she loved. She was preceded in death by her parents Clara and Marshall Etheridge, her sister Dorothy Morgan, her three sons, Joseph, John, and James Phillip. She is survived by 10 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
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