Doris K. Harralson

Doris Kelley Harralson, age 90, peacefully and with her family by her side, was called home to her Lord on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at Oakwood Cemetery with Dr. Byron Weathersbee officiating.

Doris was born on January 31, 1934, in Squeezepenny, Texas, to Albert Leon and Opal Alta Kelley. She was raised on a farm and attended school in nearby Melissa. Doris graduated from Anna High School in 1951, part of a graduating class of twelve. One year later, she married the love of her life, James W. Harralson, with whom she shared 68 wonderful and joyous years until Jim’s death in 2020. At a young age, Doris accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she dedicated herself to living and demonstrating her faith her entire life. Jim and Doris were long-time members of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco.

Being the wife of a soft drink executive allowed Doris to call many places home, including Dallas, Texas; Sandy Springs, Georgia; Roswell, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Wichita, Kansas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Chicago, Illinois; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At every stop, Doris was able to get settled and establish lifelong friends. In 1990, after spending time in Oklahoma City, Doris and Jim retired to Waco, Texas, to be near their kids and grandkids.

Doris’ hobbies and interests included cooking holiday meals, working in her vegetable and flower garden, hosting bridge parties, entertaining family and friends, and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Doris spent over twenty years volunteering at the Hillcrest Baptist Hospital, working in the gift shop with her best friend, Toshi Chase. If there is one word to describe Doris, it would be “love.” She lived it, showed it, and covered her entire family in it.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; sons, Richard Harralson, and Keith Harralson; and brothers Albert Kelley, and Jerry Kelley.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Lessia Davis and husband Brad; daughters-in-law, Jody Harralson and Alisa Harralson; sister, Jane Walden; and sisters-in-law, Sue Kelley and Jean Kelley. “Grandmama” is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandon Davis and wife, Stephanie; Katy Wittig and husband, Craig; Johanna Engelsgjerd and husband, Eric; Stephen Davis; Ethan Harralson; Stephanie Ginn and husband, Andy; Anneka Harrelson; and adopted grandson, Colton Hinsch. Doris also got to share incredible memories with nine amazing great-grandchildren, Collins Wittig, Brooke Wittig, Caroline Ginn, Jolee Davis, Noelle Wittig, Luke Davis, Scarlett Ginn, Libby Engelsgjerd, and Bode Engelsgjerd.

The family wants to express immense gratitude to the friends at Providence Village Independent Living and the 6 North nursing staff at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital.

Memorial donations may be made to Mission Waco at 1315 N. 15th St., Waco, TX. 76707-2203 or Gideons International at P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Doris on her “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.