Eleanor Doris Kelsey McCully, 88, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2018. Known as Doris, she was born to Eugene and Edna Kelsey at Florida Hospital on September 9, 1929 and raised in downtown Orlando. She lived nearly her entire adult life in the College Park area. Her childhood home once stood in the same location of the southbound exit off I-4 at Princeton Avenue.
After graduating from Orlando High School in 1946, she attended Stetson University where she met Wilton Edward McCully on her third day of school. She fondly called Wilton, “Mac”. Doris, a city girl, fell head over heels for this country boy and they married in September of 1948 and had four children.
Doris attended First Baptist Church of Orlando since birth. Her dedication to the children’s division is beyond measure. Nearly all baby boomers who attended FBC during their elementary years had Mrs. McCully for Sunday School or Bible Drill. If you ever got out of line, she was quick to set you straight. Wherever needed, Doris’ passion was working with the children and youth of FBC. She was a choir mom, vacation bible school worker, nursery caregiver and opened her home to many youth fellowship parties.
In the 70’s, Doris opened her home to the first of many foreign exchange students or young adults needing a place to stay. Her gift of caring, feeding and sharing the love of Jesus Christ was bestowed on all who stayed in her home whether it was for just a few days or a few years.
In the 80’s, Mac and Doris owned Gerry’s Dress Shoppe where she and her daughter, Janet, provided casual and elegant attire to the ladies of College Park.
Doris loved to sing and although she really couldn’t sing all that well, she never let it stop her from being part of the adult choir program. She was a church choir member for 50 years. Choir meant the world to Doris. Singing to the glory of God and participating in the choir missionary trips to places like England and Jamaica, allowed her to witness to others through song. It brought pure joy to her heart. Doris also participated in the Singing Christmas Tree for over 30 years. She absolutely loved it and the higher she was on the tree, the better!
Doris and her husband participated in numerous mission trips across the United Stated and around the world. She taught Vacation Bible School in Helena, Montana while her husband, Mac, assisted in building a new church for the Helena community. She loved to travel and share the love of Jesus to all. If she had the opportunity to travel to see family or friends, she would hit the road in the blink of an eye.
Preceded in death by her husband of 54 years; brother, Eugene Kelsey; granddaughters, Darcie and Julie; grandson, Tyler; and daughter-in-law, Nancy. Survived by four children; son, David, of Orlando; son, Walt (Linda) of Orlando; daughter, Janet McCully Shilling (David) of Orlando; daughter, Beth McCully Cutshaw (Langston) of Seymour, TN. Eight grandchildren, Chris, Brian, Andrew, Matthew, Mark, Rebecca, Joshua and Lindsey; and seven great-grandchildren.
For many years, Doris delivered faithfully for the Meals on Wheels of Central Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Seniors First Meal on Wheels, 5395 LB McLeod Rd., Orlando, FL 32811 or at www.seniorsfirstinc.org. The family is so grateful for all the love, kindness and care given to Doris by Inspired Living and VITAS Hospice.
Receiving of friends will be at Henry Chapel located at the First Baptist Church, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32805 at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 27, 2018 followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00pm.
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