Doris Eunice Smith

Doris Eunice Smith was born on April 27, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to Arthur Lee and Fentrice Beatrice Smith. At just five years old, she moved with her parents, her older sister Dolores, and her younger sisters DeVird (DeeDee) and Adelaide to Portland, Oregon — a move that opened the door to a lifetime of adventure. There, she joyfully stepped into her role as big sister to four additional siblings: Wade (Papa), Fentrice (Wizzie), Jacqueline (Jacki), and Donna.

Doris thrived in the Pacific Northwest. She attended George Elementary School, where she quickly became known for her bright personality and her unbeatable marbles skills — she was the, “Neighborhood Marbles Champion”. At Roosevelt High School, she continued to shine. As a proud member of the drama club she earned a starring role in the school play, “The Little Dog That Laughed”. She graduated in 1957.

In 1958, Doris moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, with her cousin Mary Lewis and Mary’s sons, George (Sack) and Arthur (Artie). That year was filled with adventure, and unforgettable memories.

When asked later in life what she enjoyed most as a young woman, Doris mentioned spending time with her sister DeeDee and her circle of close friends — Bernice Dunn, Annette (Preston) Moye, Gwen Polk, Annie Mann, and Shug McCoy. Wherever these ladies gathered, there was sure to be great times.

In the early 1960’s, Doris married Charles Kelly. They shared many happy years together and remained lifelong friends.

One of Doris’s great joys was managing, “The Lovettes”. A girl’s singing group that included Kathy Parker, Janice Edwards, Janice Poe and Donna Smith. She lovingly called them, “My Girls” and they adored her.

As a young adult, Doris began her career in retail as a Cashier at Giffin’s & Brooks Neighborhood Markets. However, she became best known for her years at Johnny & Lennie’s Market, where she built friendships that lasted a lifetime. In 1973, she joined Safeway in Beaverton–Aloha, Oregon where she made a new friend (Chaddie Lawrence (Michael God-Son)). She quickly became the premier cashier everyone loved. Dedicated regular customers would wait in her line — no matter how long — just to be greeted by her signature smile and kindness. After many years of service, she retired and was honored as “Queen for the Day,” a title well deserved.

Retirement brought new opportunities and adventures. Doris and her sister Dolores set out to see the world, traveling to Italy, France and Spain with the opportunity to tour Vatican City, Monte Carlo, Paris and Barcelona. This was the beginning of their plans for many more trips to include numerous Caribbean Islands, and the Mexican Riviera. Their travels sparked a love of cruising and travel that spread throughout the entire family.

Doris was a woman of deep faith. She spent many years at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church where she attended with her family before finding her forever Spiritual Home at Emmanuel Church, where she dedicated her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There, she gained a community of Sisters in Christ including her best friend Mother Blake. At Emmanuel she had a sense of belonging that filled her heart.

Doris was the matriarch of her family — strong, steady, respected, and deeply loved. Her presence commanded respect. She was like E. F. Hutton, when she spoke, everyone listened! She was affectionately known as “The Captain”, a title that reflected her leadership, her loyalty and her unwavering commitment to family. Stern when needed, loving always, with a pure caring heart. She was truly one of a kind.

Though she never had biological children of her own, Doris mothered an entire generation of nieces and nephews. She played a special role in the lives of her late brother Wade’s daughters, Sarah and Sherice, and she cherished her bonus grandbaby, Joelle — her beloved “Buddha.”

Doris made life fun. She organized road trips to Canada, California, and beyond. She filled school breaks with movie nights and drives to Multnomah Falls. Trips to the Oregon Coastline included bumper cars at Seaside where she would join in with the kids. Family gatherings brought her an extreme amount of joy. You could see the light in her eyes watching her family come together as they had done for so many years. Nothing mattered more to her than keeping her family close. She is our true treasure.

Doris Eunice Smith is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur L. and Fentrice B. Smith; her brother, Wade J. Smith; and her sisters Dolores M. James, DeVird Ollison-Thomas, Adelaide G. Gonzales and Fentrice B. Burris.

She leaves to carry her legacy, sisters Jacqueline M. Smith-Channel (Thurtis), Donna L. Qualls and Brother In-Law Curtis Burris along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

May she forever rest peacefully in God’s loving care.

Visitation will be held at Zeller Chapel of the Roses, 2107 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232, on May 21, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Homegoing Celebration will take place at Emmanuel Church, 1033 N Sumner St, Portland, OR 97217, on May 22, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by a Graveside Service at Rose City Cemetery, 5625 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213, on May 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm.