Mrs. Doris K. Kendrick Bray

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Mrs. Doris K. Bray. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Doris was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Doris knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Doris was born on April 19, 1926 at home in Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents were Sam and Etta Kendrick. Doris was raised in Griffin, Georgia. Even as a youngster, Doris learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Doris was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they were not’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. She had no siblings.

Doris' matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Doris enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Doris took part in basketball and tennis. She was a girl scout. In her spare time she liked to swim and read books.

In school, Doris was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Doris was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Doris’ personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Griffin High School. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was physical education.

Doris was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Doris was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Doris came to expect her high standards of performance. Later in life, she became friends with Kate Mc Lauren, Katherine Thomas, Jan Odom, Bill George, Scerita Dugas, Judy Eads, Pat O'Conner, Joann Whitney and Steve & Ileana Harrell.

An objective and conscientious individual, Doris reveled in the security of her family. On December 25, 1948 Doris exchanged wedding vows with Harold Thompson Bray. They are now divorced.

Doris was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Doris was blessed with four children - one son, Ken, and three daughters, Kathy, Carole and Lucy. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren - Jon, Tommy, Michael, David, Taylor, Ivy, Ashley and Cody.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Doris was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Doris was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. Her primary occupation was homemaker. She was employed in her younger years for Sam's Cafe and for the Parks and Recreation Department. Doris was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Doris approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. She enjoyed bridge and hanging out with her children and friends. Doris was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Doris to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Doris played basketball and tennis. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were basketball and bowling.

Being generous with her time and energy, Doris liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. Throughout her later years, Doris was an active member of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

A civic-minded person, Doris was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. Politically, Doris was a strong supporter of the Republican Party.

Faith was important to Doris. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs in Christ that she was willing to share. She was a member of Liberty Church since 1997. During that time, she was an usher and involved in the ladies ministry and phone ministry.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Doris could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. Some of her most prestigious awards included basketball trophies and writing awards.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Doris used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Doris had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Her favorite vacations included the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida and San Francisco, California.

Doris was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Doris' favorites was Sam, a dog. They were best friends for four years. Her family was rounded out by her cats Tiny Bear and Lea, Sisco a Chihuahua.

Doris passed away on June 5, 2010 at Wellstar Hospice in Austell, Georgia. She fought a brave battle against lung cancer. She is survived by her children Kathy, Carole and Lucy; her daughter-in-law Sandi; her grandchildren Jon, Tommy, Mike, David, Taylor, Ivy, Ashley and Cody; and her great grandchildren Daniel, David, Taylor, Tara and Haley. Services were held at Liberty Church Marietta, Georgia. Doris was cremated and will be buried.

Doris lived her life well and was a testimony of God's grace and love.