Doris Etta Minor

Doris Etta Jones Minor was surrounded by loved ones when she transitioned into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. Doris was born into time on February 8, 1942 in the small, but friendly Waterloo, Arkansas. She was born to the union of K. C. and Etta Brewer Jones. She was raised by her beloved grandmother, Georgia Brewer. She was a pretty little girl who was obedient and gentle in nature. Closely observing her grandmother she learned how to cook, clean, raise children with love and turned out to be a talented seamstress. As a young gril she was baptized and joined Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Rosston, Arkansas where she was a life-long member. Doris also attended Oak Grove School. She met and fell in love with Ervin James Blakely and they were married in 1957. The Lord blessed their union with seven children. Although their marriage ended they modeled peace and harmony in raising their children. She later married Ollice Purifoy on May 24, 1986. She loved and accepted his children as her own. Doris was a homemaker and caregiver. Cooking became second nature. She was a soul food “boiling pots” cooking type of woman. She had her own sense of style and fashion savvy. She didn’t really have a favorite color, but she liked all colors. She loved to sew, play Yantzee and absolutely adored her grandchildren. She mastered babysitting and disciplined with love. Doris was welcomed home by an infant son, Michael L. Blakely; her husbands, Ollice Purifoy and Arch Minor; two grandsons, Michael L. Blakely (2006) and Joshua L. Blakely (2012); and a great-grandson, Jayden M. Blakely (2014). She leaves to celebrate and honor her life’s journey: her children, Irvin (Gail) Blakely, Jr., of Prescott, Dorrie (Randy Purifoy) Blakely of Prescott, Gary (Billie) Blakely of Rosston, Ronnie D. (Demetriss Johnson) Blakely of Grand Rapids, MI, Rhonda G. (Robert) McCoy of Prescott, and Lisa (Jerry) Sherman of Rosston; she leaves a god-daughter, Annette (Max) Linzmeyer of Prescott; the Purifoy children; sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, a special great-granddaughter, JaKiya Haynie; two sisters, two brothers and a host of nieces, nephews, a special friend/sister-in-law, Lee Vester Blakely; a special cousin, Francis Ross and friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Rosston. A Celebration of Her Life will be held Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Rosston, Arkansas. Rev. Victor Morgan is the pastor and Rev. Bobby Box will officiate. Interment will be in Harrison Chapel Cemetery.