It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Doris Shelton Downing, who departed this life on July 24, 2025, at the age of 88. She was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Born on May 23, 1937, in Cherokee, Alabama, Doris was the child of Hazel and Marvin Shelton. She was the oldest of two siblings and enjoyed the outdoors, playing with her little brother "Curtis Ray" and was admittedly "a little mischievous" growing up.

While being a mom was her calling, she embarked on a new career entering barber school at Hinds Community College, ultimately becoming the barbering instructor there for 12 years. She loved her students and touched many lives through her work.

She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Will. For years they owned a travel trailer and would set forth on adventures across Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and other states often accompanied by their siblings, children, and grandchildren. The couple loved craft fairs, flea markets, meeting new people and hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt. A true daughter of The South, Doris believed in family, manners, tradition, and speaking her mind.

One of Doris' passions was cooking and the only thing she enjoyed more than preparing her dishes was watching her family—especially her grandchildren—eat her delicious meals. Food was Doris' love language, and she kept an amazingly well-stocked pantry filled with ingredients for her many recipes, so she was always prepared to whip up a meal or appetizer when guests were planning a visit. Her family—again, especially the grandchildren—always knew they could find their favorite snacks and candy in the pantry or stored in special drawers and kitchen cubbies. Second helpings were more of a mandate than an option with Doris, but her food was so good friends and family often went back for thirds, and if they did not, it was only because they were saving room for one of her legendary desserts.

Doris will be remembered for her faith in God, indelible spirit, and good-natured sense of humor, as well as her love and dedication to her family and friends. And of course, the wonderfully prepared meals everyone enjoyed.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Marvin Shelton. She is survived by her beloved husband Will Downing, brother and sister-in-law Curtis and Sandra Shelton, her children Kirk Kimmons (Keelie Kimmons), Kendra Kimmons (Jeff English), Kyle Kimmons (Beverly Kimmons) and Charles Downing (Lori Downing), and her grandchildren Geoffery Watson and Brenna Kimmons; Shelton, Grace and Emie Kimmons; Campbell and Hayden English; and Hazel and Nathan Downing. The family would like to thank the angels at Traditions Hospice for their loving care.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.at Wright & Ferguson in Raymond, Mississippi and church services will be held on Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m. with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. at Raymond Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Raymond Methodist Church.