Doris Raines Chesteen died peacefully in her sleep on February 3, 2017. Doris was born on June 15, 1919 and was the third of 9 children of John and Florence Raines. She was an amazing, talented, beautiful person known for her many qualities. She had an uncanny judge of character and was rarely wrong. She had a great sense of humor. The designated “story teller” of our family, Doris could make people laugh and feel good before even beginning a story. Her facial expressions were more telling than a million words. Before her body began to fail, she could never fish “enough” and her ability to see a big bass’s “hiding spot” was legendary. She enjoyed music and was a “ten-finger” piano player. For many years Doris was an active member of the Rebekah Lodge, and at times served as its President and Musician. It was not unusual for her to entertain 20 or more people for dinner. Christmas was special to her because of her many relatives. Most important to her, she was a loving mother and wife who balanced the demands of full-time work while simultaneously rearing three children. Over the years, even though her body began to fail, her spirit never did. Doris was a member of the First Baptist Church. Her heart was full of tenderness and concern for her loved ones.
She was predeceased by her husband, Vernon, and her brothers J.B., Ishmael, and Jimmy, and sisters Vera, Maxine, Joyce, and Maye. Doris is survived by her sister Faye Robinson (V. J.); sister in law, Peggy Raines, children, Susan (William Barry), John (Carol) and George (Michelle), as well as five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, February 10, at Welch Funeral Home, 201 W. Lampkin Street, Starkville. Burial will be in Poplar Creek Nations Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS. Friends and relatives are invited to attend. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for her compassionate care and treatment given by the staff of the Carrington Nursing Center, her physician Dr. Michael Anthony, and the kind aides who cared for her at her home before she became a resident of Carrington.