Doris Jean Gilchrist

Doris Jean was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Arthur and Eleanora Bieske. She was predeceased by her three brothers; Arthur, Donald, and Robert.

Doris married James Gilchrist on March 29, 1947. They happily celebrated 76 years of marriage before Jim’s passing in 2023.

Jim and Doris had three children; Jim, Colleen, and Janis, not to forget their beloved dogs and many cats. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren; Jamie, Stacey, Heather, Andi, and Stevie and 8 great-grandchildren, Addison, Cole, Xander, Skylar, Christian, Matthew, Brandon, and Joshua.

Doris worked for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator before choosing to stay home to care for her family.

Doris and Jim were very active in their Lutheran church. She enjoyed Bob Seger and rock music attending many concerts. She enjoyed camping starting with a spacious blue tent to a popup and ending with a motor home in which Doris and Jim traveled to many states. Doris and Jim were both avid archers, owning an archery store for some years. Doris was an award winning champion archer taking home several state trophies in their travels.

They relocated to South Florida in 1986 and enjoyed their lakefront home. Travel was their hobby starting with their first trip to the Canary Islands and never looking back. They enjoyed countries such as Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Japan, USSR, Thailand, France, and China to name a few. They took a family trip to Scotland along with several family cruises. Doris became a certified SCUBA Diver, and learned to snow ski in her later years.

After 35 years in South Florida, Doris and Jim relocated to Jacksonville, FL, where they continued to live. Doris adjusted to her new life filling her days with family, friends, church, and her undying penchant for cribbage.

Doris was a true Diva, sparkling, witty, dressed to the nines, and gracious to all. She was active in her ALF’s, winning at bingo and making new friends.

A private family will be held Sunday, November 8, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM with the funeral service to follow on Monday November 9, at Hardens Giddens Beaches Chapel at 10:30 am.

A memorial church service will be held at Shepherd of The Woods Lutheran Church at a later date. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.