Doris M. Smith passed away peacefully September 5, 2018 at the Franciscan Hospice House, Indianapolis, where she had been lovingly cared for the last eight months. Her husband, James E. Smith, had been gone 23 years and she could not wait for their reunion in the presence of their Lord.
Doris was born in Indianapolis to Nelis C.Wilkins and Viola Devault Wilkins in 1927. She graduated from Manual High School. Doris married Jim in 1946 after he returned from World War II. She worked at Advance Paint Company until her children, Shirley and Nancy were born.
Doris was a true servant all her 91 years. In addition to taking excellent care of her family and home, she volunteered tutoring reading with IPS ,teaching Sunday School and Bible school, as the church librarian at her home church Christian Park Reformed Church, helping with a downtown clothing ministry, making Jello cups for Wheeler Mission and almost anything she was asked to help with.
Doris was the epitome of a life-long learner, keeping current with news on her computer and reading voraciously. She attended a session of Elder Hostel at DePauw University once to satisfy a curiousity about college life.
Her hobbies in addition to reading included genealogy research, playing the piano, baking, sewing, and building miniatures. She was a perfectionist with her crafts and built miniatures to exact scale and sewed innumerable original Barbie outfits for the grandchildren’s dolls.
Doris will be loved and missed by her survivors including her sister, Nancy Wilkins, daughters Shirley Ernest, Nancy Ellis (Tracy), grandchildren Sarah (Cesar) Ayala, James (Veronica) Ellis, Abigail (Corey) Norman, Kathleen (Shane) Thornton, and 6 great grandchildren. She also had many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly throughout her life. Doris was predeceased by her husband James E. Smith, her parents, brother Robert Wilkins and sister Jane Rosebrock.
In keeping with her wishes, Doris was cremated with a private family memorial service . She is buried at Washington Park East Cemetery.
Sarah Marshall says
Shirley you and your family are in my thoughts. Your mother’s life was full and I’m grateful she had time to grace the Christmas brunches several times. She was very talented and shared her gifts with many.
You are loved. Thank you for being a friend.
Sarah
Phillip Dwigans says
Doris, what a blessing you have been to so many people. Your attitude has been so uplifting to those that have been blessed to know you. We know that you are with loved ones! We love you! Love to your family! Phil and Ethelyn Dwigans
George/Nancy Werner says
Doris was one of the kindest people George and I have ever met. She always greeted us with a smile. I always will remember her smile.