NORWICH – Doris Irene Ellis, 78, of Norwich and formerly of New Berlin, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 2, 2011, at the Norwich Rehab and Nursing Center where she has made her home for the past several years.
Doris was born in New Berlin in July of 1933, the daughter of Ira and Melba Bice Davis. She spent many years in New Berlin and was a 1953 graduate of the New Berlin High School. She lost her father Ira in 1961, a man who meant the world to her, and her husband Arthur, whom she married Aug. 26, 1966, in 1955 who was a veteran of the United States Army.
Over the years Doris enjoyed writing poetry, cooking, baking and was know for her banana bread. She had won several awards for her poetry and had her poems published in the World Book of Poetry.
A spiritual person all of her life Doris attended the Columbus Quarter Baptist Church as a young girl. Her belief in God carried her through many illnesses and heartaches she endured during her life. She was a member of the Bible Youth Fellowship and always enjoyed Christmas caroling with the church group. During her school years she was a member of the glee club, the school choir, FHA, GHA and 4-H.
Doris loved all people young and old and especially enjoyed her grandmother Adaline Bice as a youngster. She never had any dislikes of anyone or anything and always took things in stride. She was a very special person in every way and we’re sure there is a special place in heaven for her. Doris was the best big sister anyone could have.
Doris is survived by her mother Melba Davis of Norwich, her sister Gloria Alford and her husband Robert of New Berlin, her brother Shirley Davis and his wife Barbara of Columbus and by her nieces and nephews, Colleen Stage and husband Randy of New Berlin, Gary Alford and wife Betty also of New Berlin, Paula Jeter and husband Jeff of Norwich, Roberta Turner and husband Jim of Oxford, Ricky Davis and wife Chris of New Berlin, Robby Davis of Florida, Vern Davis and wife Lynelle of Guilford and Vaughn Davis of Sherburne. Also surviving are many great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Doris will be held at 11 a.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Douglas Horne, Chaplain of the Norwich Rehab and Nursing Center will officiate. Interment will follow in the Union Cemetery of Edmeston.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Chenango County United Way, 27 West Main St., Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 Cty Rd. 32, Norwich, NY 13815.