Doris Williams

It is with great sadness that the family of Doris Maier Williams announces her passing on January 5, 2026, after a brief and sudden illness. A long-time resident of Falls Church, VA, she had moved to Locust Grove, VA in 2011. In 2022, Doris became a resident of Dogwood Village of Orange County, VA. She was 97 years of age.

Doris Virginia Maier Williams was born on April 9, 1928, in Washington, DC, to Frank Charles Maier and Alma Virginia McCormick Maier. She was raised and educated in Washington, DC, graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1946, after which she went to work for the US Weather Bureau.

On June 19, 1948, she married David J. Williams, Jr., at First Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. Their union produced three children: a son, David J. Williams, III; and daughters, Patricia Williams Curtis and Karen Williams Harrington.

Doris was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and much more. She loved creating a home for all to enjoy—she was the ultimate hostess. She excelled in cooking, baking, and decorating cakes, personally creating beautiful wedding cakes for each of her three children. Music was her passion; she played piano by ear, and she had a beautiful soprano voice. She was a member of the Chancel Choir of Falls Church Presbyterian Church for many years during which time she shared her beautiful voice by singing countless memorable solos. A highlight of her time in the choir was singing for the President and First Lady at the White House. She also was a kindergarten aide at Walnut Hill and Westlawn elementary schools where her love for children shone forth as a caring and nurturing assistant.

Doris is survived by son Dave and daughter-in-law Ruth, daughter Patte and son-in-law Don, and daughter Karen, her best and life-long friend Janet E. Terry, and her grandchildren Shannon Williams Shifflett (Joe), Travis B. Williams (Karen), Blair P. Brennan (Olivia), Adam W. Rodriguez, Katie Philpot Vey (Bart), and Len T. Philpot (Heidi), and granddaughter-in-law Brandy L. Nicholson Brennan. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Tanner Shifflett, Caden Shifflett, Devin Shifflett, Alyssa Brennan Connell (Bryce), Britney Brennan Fowler (Matt), Evan Brennan, Dylan Brennan, Tyler Brennan, Jordan Apperson (Andrea), Alex Apperson, Amanda Perry, Paul Vey, Andrew Vey, Emma Vey, Kacy Jo Philpot, Bryce Philpot, and Brock Philpot. Further surviving are great-great-grandchildren Mason Jordan Apperson, Oakley Ryan Connell, Elowyn Virginia Connell, and Jayce Ryan Fowler. Doris is also survived by sisters-in-law Beverly J. Hall Williams and Catarina “My” T. Maier, and brother-in-law Robert M. Neidecker as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and many friends, including former sons-in-law David L. Brennan, Alonso Rodriguez (Conseulo), Leon T. Philpot (Cherie), and former granddaughter-in-law Fonda Justice.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Dave Williams, her parents Frank and Alma Maier, her parents-in-law David J. Williams, Sr., and Nora Belle Biggs Williams, her brothers Reed Francis Maier and William Charles Maier, her aunt Helen Theresa McCormick, her sister-in-law Elaine Williams Neidecker, her brother-in-law K. Dale Williams, Sr., her grandson Ryan M. Brennan, and former son-in-law Dana L. Harrington.

May the Lord bless and keep the memory of Doris as we continue to live her legacy of love.

Visitation will be held at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at Manassas Presbyterian Church, 8201 Ashton Ave, Manassas, VA 20109 on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. It will be followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.

Burial will take place following the reception at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Board of Deacons, Manassas Presbyterian Church.