Doris Mills Chesnutt

Doris Mills Chesnutt of Birmingham died March 26, 2016, exactly 14 years after the death of her beloved husband of 52 years, Reverend James Herring Chesnutt. Doris was born on November 13, 1929 in Pickens County. She is preceded in death by her Father, Albert Andrew Mills, Mother, Flossie B. Goodman Mills, Step Father, Grady Leavelle, Brother, John Thomas Mills and Son-in-law, Monty Stratton Griffin.

As the wife of a minister, she served the United Methodist Church faithfully alongside her husband during his 43 years of active ministry. She willingly took a leadership role and was active in the ministry of the churches they served together including: The Coker Circuit, First United Methodist in Tuscaloosa, Montevallo First United Methodist, Fayette First United Methodist, Lanett First United Methodist, Mt. Vernon United Methodist in Birmingham, Lakewood United Methodist in Huntsville, Russellville First United Methodist, Columbiana United Methodist and Central Park United Methodist. Doris remained active in United Methodist Women and continued to teach Sunday school for many years.

Doris worked as an Accounting Assistant for the University of Alabama Systems and upon her retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively through the United States and Canada as members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (Airstream). Always willing to serve others, Doris became President of the Alabama Chapter of the club.

Her love of family was apparent to all who knew Doris. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Margaret Ann Mills Hicks (Billy) of Shelbyville, TN, brother, George Roland Mills of Albany, GA, daughter: Jane Chesnutt Griffin (Monty), Nikki Purvis (Brad), Rachel, and Zachary Purvis, Erin Georgia (Matt) Jane, Julia, and Anna Georgia, Michael Griffin; sons, James H. Chesnutt, Jr. (Mary), Callie Lloyd (Nic); Mary Collins (Timmy), Eli Collins, Jamey, and Patrick; and Charles A. Chesnutt (Erin), Ryan, Spencer and Aidan; and Andrew C. Chesnutt (Tracy), David, Alex and Kelcie.

The family will receive guests Tuesday evening from 6-8pm at Ridout’s Valley Chapel 1800 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209. Doris will lie in State Wednesday, March 30 at 11 am in Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church 2541 Rocky Ridge Rd Birmingham, AL 35243. Funeral service will follow at noon with burial at Hargrove United Methodist Church near Gordo in Pickens County at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doris’ memory to United Methodist Women at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church or to Camp Sumatanga 3616 Sumatanga Road Gallant, AL 35243.