Doris J. Merrill

Doris Jean Merrill was born October 17, 1931, to Clyde Thompson and Mamie Williams in Memphis, Tennessee, both of whom preceded her in death.  Doris was the only child born to this union.  On Monday, May 13, 2024, the Lord decided that “Mother Merrill” had completed her journey here on earth of being the anchor and pillar that upheld and strengthened the Merrill family.

Doris, lovingly known as “Momma” to her children, “Granny” to her grandchildren, and “Mother Merrill”, “Momma D” or “Momma Doris” to her spiritual children, was the epitome of the virtuous woman as described in Proverbs 31:10-31.  Doris’ life was not always glamorous, but through her trials, she showed true love and forgiveness to those who hurt and mistreated her.  She was like a second mother to many, and while she was not always respected, she was always respectful.  Doris was a woman of wisdom, and a teacher of how to overcome life’s obstacles with grace and dignity.  DORIS was a Diva, who was Devoted to her family and God. She was always Optimistic, Ravishing, Inspirational, Sassy, and Sophisticated. Doris was a woman of unwavering faith, love, and compassion.

Doris was committed to her husband, Joe, and to her family.  Her love for Joe was so strong, that on October 19, 1948, two days after her 17th birthday, they eloped while Joe was serving in the United States Air Force.  Not only were they committed to their union, which was evident during their 72 years of marriage, they were intentional in celebrating their union and love for one another with celebrations to commemorate their nuptials.  Joe and Doris also counseled numerous couples and participated in the Couples Ministry at New Faith Missionary Baptist Church to support the facilitators as well as the couples.

Because Doris and Joe were married and had children at such a young age, their goal was to retire at the age of 55.  After retirement, their quest was to enjoy life, enjoy their family, and to travel.  They spent many years travelling by air, car, cruise ship, and train gracing family and friends with dad’s humor and mom’s cooking.  During retirement, they also began a “meals on wheels” ministry before one existed taking home cooked meals to seniors, the sick and shut in.  Doris also volunteered as a chaplain at Roseland Community Hospital and taught Vacation Bible School to children and male juveniles, a group that loved, respected, and revered her. Doris and Joe were truly a blessing to so many people.

Doris was a woman of many gifts and talents.  She excelled in elementary and high school, graduating at the young age of 16.  While raising her three children, Doris decided to attend Chicago Teachers College, now Chicago State University, where she completed the 4-year academic program in two and a half years, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.  She was so dedicated to her profession that while attending college, Doris learned how to play the piano so that her students could experience the joy of music.  And after several years of teaching, Doris began graduate school at Roosevelt University where she received dual master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. Doris has left such an impression on her 2nd and 3rd grade students, that after 40 years, many of them continue to remain in touch with her.

Everyone who knew Doris knew that she loved to talk and was an exceptional communicator.  While serving as the church clerk at True Right Missionary Baptist Church, Doris not only gave the announcements during 11 o’clock service, she also was the announcer on their radio broadcast and served as the mistress of ceremony for numerous church services.  She also served as liaison and television spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union during one of many teachers’ strikes.  And for those who really knew Doris, they had the pleasure of learning that she was a “closet comedian.”  She was quite a lady!

Doris leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy three children Valeria (Elder Edward) Kirby, Vincent (Marcia) and Tahia (Nathaniel, Pastor Emeritus/Chaplain) Good; eight grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren (one deceased), 40 great-great grandchildren (one deceased, and one on the way), and one great-great-great grandchild. Doris also leaves to cherish her memory one brother, Reggie Thompson, one sister, Brenda McKinley, two deceased siblings (Barbara and Clyde (Francine, who is alive) Thompson), nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous spiritual children, and godchildren, along with many friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.

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