Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

On the afternoon of March 22, 2021, Doris Graverly Jackson left this physical world to be with her Lord and God. She was surrounded by her children in whom she poured her soul, heart and strength.

Doris was born on May 17, 1944 within the coal camp of Meade, West Virginia. Ever the strong-willed woman she moved to Connecticut to work at a furniture manufacturer to provide for her first child, Mary Lisa Jackson. During that time, she became pregnant again with Theresa Jackson then shortly after Norma Jean Jackson.

With support from family, she continued to work and care for her girls. It was with the knowledge that she was having her fourth child, Derek Jackson, that caused Doris to consider settling down to make a home for her children.

Leaving her Chicago job as a domestic employee, she came to Beckley where her father, James (Straw) Saunders, quickly found a small newly built Jim Walter home. She then left her travelling behind to create her homestead at 345 Mool Ave.

It was here where she blossomed as a caregiver. Writing and trying new recipes, pattern making and sewing to dabbling with short hand writing, Doris was always trying to improve herself and the quality of life for her family.

Later, she went to work at The Me Shoppe, where her vivacious demeanor started her decades long work-life as a customer service employee at Montgomery Wards. Doris was the type of worker that excelled at making everyone better around her. She would work for long hours not only because she had to provide for her family, but because the work ethic she developed over her years taught her to do good work, help wherever she could and finish the job she was assigned.

When she accepted the Lord God Jesus Christ into her life, it was her work ethic He used to comfort those who were hurting, listen patiently to those who needed an ear to hear and speak truth to those who were lost and confused. She took in several souls within her home who needed guidance and stability. God used Doris as a quiet servant within His house as a treasurer, cleaner, cook and taxi service. She cared for those who were shut in and was the ‘Good Samaritan’ Christ wants His people to be.

Doris Jackson served the Lord with the gifts He imparted to her with great quiet effect. Her light will forever shine within every heart who knew her.

Doris was preceded in death by her father, James A. Saunders, mother, Mary Elizebeth Saunders, sisters, Vicki C. Howard and June Elizebeth Williams and brother, Earl Moon.

Doris is survived by her brothers James A. Saunders, Mathew Saunders, James Cox, Marvin Davis; sisters, Toni V. Hairston, Diann V. Scholfield, Vinnie Saunders and Brenda Phipps; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Private family funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, March 27, 2021 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley with Rev Matthew Saunders and Rev James Cox officiating.Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may walk through and view one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.