Doris Butler Lofton

Doris Butler Lofton, 79, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully Monday, November 1, 2021, at her home in Petal. Doris was born to J. B. and Leslie Butler of Mize on December 12, 1941. The oldest of six children, she considered it a privilege to mother her younger siblings who looked to her for advice, friendship, and occasional correction. During these early years, Doris perfected her homemaking skills and used these gifts to bless others throughout her life. A take-charge person, Doris was the matriarch of the Butler family and the glue that held the family together. On January 25, 1969, Doris married Johnny Lofton, also of Mize, and happily assumed the role of a devoted military wife. Doris and Johnny embraced Marine life, raising their two daughters, Michele and Melissa, at several military bases, including: Camp LeJeune in North Carolina, Marine Corps Air Station in North Carolina, and Marine Corps Logistics Base in Georgia. Johnny attributes his successful twenty-six-year career with the Marine Corps to Doris’s support and encouragement. Witnessing the enjoyment of others was one of Doris’s greatest sources of satisfaction. She rarely met a stranger and provided a home-away-from-home for military personnel on base. During the holidays, Doris cooked meals for young Marines who couldn’t go home. Her southern cornbread dressing was a favorite of northern Marines. Doris collected cookbooks of all kinds and, to her family’s delight, enjoyed experimenting with recipes - especially casseroles and sweets. At pot-luck meals, her dishes drew the most attention and praise. An exemplary homemaker, Doris’s kitchen was her happy place and she took great pleasure in hosting gatherings and birthday celebrations. Doris devoted her life to family, including her beloved dogs, Tippy and Buffy, and four grand-pets. Some of her happiest memories were made during yearly family trips to Walt Disney World and while traveling to gym meets to cheer on her favorite gymnast and granddaughter, Samantha. Doris loved shopping and turned it into a family event whenever possible. Jokingly, her husband would say, “She’d rather shop than eat.” She would drive a hundred miles to save a dollar, although the trip was usually just about the adventure with those she loved. Doris was trustworthy, loyal, and a problem-solver. She was the go-to person for help with school and home projects. There was nothing she couldn’t do once she set her mind to it. She was a master seamstress and a talented crafter, making beautiful dolls for her daughters and nieces. Doris gave from the heart and never expected anything in return. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, J. B. and Leslie Butler of Mize; brothers-in-law, Donald Wayne Lofton of Pearl, Bobby Bradshaw of Polkville, and Charles Sullivan of Magee; sister-in-law, Deborah Butler of Mize; and niece, Candiace Carlisle of Ovett. She is survived by her husband, John Lofton of Petal; daughters, Michele Lofton and Melissa Lofton of Petal; granddaughter, Samantha Lofton of Petal; siblings, Jean Clark (Bill) of Brandon, James Butler (Treta) of Mize, Terry Butler (Diane) of Mize, Joyce Bradshaw of Polkville, and Pleshia Wing of Mize; mother-in-law, Rose Lofton of Mize; sisters-in-law, Ellen Tanner (Jimmy) of Magee, Roberta Sullivan of Magee, Dawn Martin (Gerald) of Raleigh, and Katherine Lofton of Pearl; aunt, Chris Roberts of Gulfport; eighteen nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family. Visitation will take place at Memory Chapel in Laurel on Friday, November 5, at 1:00 for family and 1:30 to 2:15 for friends. Burial will follow at 3:00 at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Mize. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Lofton family sincerely thanks family members, caretakers, and special neighbors Aubrey and Jo Riels for their devotion during Doris’s illness. It has been said that a life well-lived is measured by those moments you give of yourself. Thank you, Doris, for all you gave. Yours was a life well-lived.

Doris Butler Lofton

December 12, 1941 - November 1, 2021