Doris Hughes, 88, of Bartlett, TN passed away on January 27, 2024. Doris was born December 17, 1935 to Chester Odie Whitman and Lela Alma Whitman nee Brooks. She was born at the family home in Chester County. She was one of seven children, preceded in death by brothers Dewayne, Eugene, Bill, and Larry and survived by sisters Linda Gilchrist and Barbara Pope Johnston.
Doris grew up in the hills of rural West Tennessee, picking more cotton than all of her siblings (except when Billy cheated by adding stalks to his bag) and walking three miles to school in all weather. She was only in trouble once— for hitting a girl who made fun of another classmate who had a hole in her dress.
On December 23, 1953, Doris married the most handsome boy from Maury City High School, the late James Allison Hughes, who borrowed the $20 they needed for the ceremony. Not long after, James joined the army and the two moved to New Mexico where they enjoyed visiting “Old Mexico” and made lifelong friends during James’s service.
After returning home to Tennessee, Doris and James settled in Memphis and eventually Bartlett. She gave birth to their son Randy Hughes in 1957 and worked in administration for Sears for 28 years. She was a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. Her only regret was never attending nursing school, but even without training she went on to be an unparalleled caregiver. The “great family home” that she and James built in 1968, to her great pride, served as a place of gathering, love, and convalescence for her entire family.
Her fierce devotion to her loved ones grew with the addition of her grandsons Bucky and Wesley and eventually her great-grandson Jaden who replaced a disheartened Wesley as his granny’s iPhone background. When the boys were young, she would commute to work from Henderson, TN to Olive Branch, MS weekly to care for and spend time with her son and grandsons.
Doris lived a life of service to her career, family, friends, and church. Her loss leaves a deep wound and is gravely felt by all those whose lives she touched. The family appreciates your support during this challenging time. Services will be held graveside at Cave Springs Baptist Church in Henderson, TN on Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 am, with Bro. Ronnie Geary officiating and Bro. Eddie Martin assisting. Flowers may be sent to Shackelford Funeral Home in Henderson.
Shackelford Funeral Directors
