Doris Tanner Ross

Doris Tanner Ross left her earthly dwelling on December 18, 2014 at the blessed age of 90. She lived a long and full life dedicated to her Lord, her family, and her church. She was born April 23, 1924 near Mize, MS to parents Artha James Byrd and Mollie Robinson Byrd Wood. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, John Howard Tanner; her second husband, J.E. Barney Ross; a sister, Bertha Leeda Lewis (Lloyd); a brother, Jimmy Harold Wood (Geraldine); and a step-sister, Bernice Wood Gibson. As the matriarch of her family, she leaves behind many adoring family members: a daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Howard Robertson; two grandchildren Shari Robertson Shelby (Robin) and John Howard Robertson (Leah); seven great-grandchildren: Brian Shelby, Brent Shelby, Brandon Shelby, Benjamin Robertson, Sarah Grace Robertson, Tanner Robertson, and Rachel Robertson. Doris gave her life to Christ as a young girl and was baptized in Clear Creek, Mize, MS. She later became a member of West Laurel United Methodist Church. Doris served her church by using her gifts as church treasurer for many years. Doris lost her first husband, a marine, as a result of WWII when her daughter was only eleven months old. As a young widowed mother, Doris worked many jobs to provide for herself and her young daughter. She worked at Masonite Corporation, Bush Ice Cream Store, A&P Grocery meat market, and Magnolia Florist. Doris started her own florist, Doris Tanner's Flowers, in 1965 on Lee Street in Laurel, MS. She later moved her business to its current location on Sharon Road in 1996. Doris enjoyed her work in floral design for almost 50 years. After many years of encouragement by others, Doris wrote an auto-biography, entitled Day-Day's Dream. In this book, she expressed the following sentiments regarding her life, "The most valuable blessings I received, my daughter Patsy and the rest of my family, have kept me going all these years. I have also been blessed to be able to work for all of my life. Even at the age of eight-eight, I still work every day in my flower shop doing what I love to do. When I look back on my life and think about my failures, I feel that God placed these hurdles before me to test me and make me stronger. The adversities I faced contributed to my accomplishments and successes and made me the person I am today. May God bless all who have supported me and have been a part of my life." Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and the blessings of God through the following: Visitation will be on Saturday, December 20th, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, December 21st, 11:00 AM to 1:00 P.M. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 21st, 2:00 PM at West Laurel United Methodist Church followed by a graveside service at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Laurel, MS. Services will be officiated by Rev. Allen King, Rev. Bill Hayes and Rev. J.J. Mullinax. Pallbearers will be Brian Shelby, Brent Shelby, Brandon Shelby, Benjamin Robertson, Tanner Robertson and Jamie Foster. Honorary Pallbearers will be Grady Bird, Joe L. Shelby, Lex Windham and Ray Warren. Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view or sign the family guestbook visit: www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Doris Tanner Ross

April 23, 1924 - December 18, 2014