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Doris M. (Vaughn) Oliver of Harrisburg

Doris M. (Vaughn) Oliver, age 90, of Harrisburg went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 6, 2020.

Doris was born on Sept. 19, 1929 to J.C. and Ella Hannah (Clark) Vaughn. As one of the Vaughn girls, she was raised in Mitchellsville and Gaskins City and graduated from Harrisburg Township High School with the Class of 1947.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1948, she married the love of her life, George A. Oliver. After 35 years of wonderful marriage, he preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 1983.

Doris loved to be with people and chose a career in retail which kept her in the public. As a young woman, she worked at several businesses around "the square," but the most gratifying job was the one of 25 years at Skaggs Pharmacy as a Licensed Pharmacy Technician and cosmetologist. After George passed away, she purchased The Diet Center which she operated until she reached, what her family thought, her retirement.

However, she was never one to rest for long. She always said, "if you sit too long you might not get up," so in keeping, she continued to work at various part time jobs until the age of 85.

Doris was a dedicated member of McKinley Avenue Baptist Church for more than 60 years, where she served in various roles, including as a Sunday school teacher, the church hostess and on numerous committees. Doris loved Christmas and hosting her Sunday school class each holiday season. Over the years, she and George were very involved with the youth of the church. Doris loved to sing and was a member of the McKinley Avenue Baptist Church Adult and Senior Choirs, the Oldies but Goodies Choir and several local quartets.

Doris valued her community and served as a volunteer at the 4C's Food Pantry and with the American Red Cross. For many years, she was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club. Doris remained close to many members of her high school class and thoroughly enjoyed serving on the committee to host their high school reunions.

After her commitment to God, her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by numerous family members, including her beloved daughter and best friend, Georgiann Oliver of Belleville. Doris also cherished her relationship as "DeeDee" with Keith and Heather LeChien and their children, Avery, August and Bennett of Livermore, California; Jay and Elizabeth LeChien and their children, Clay, Josephine, Elizabeth and Miles of Belleville; and Miss Lori LeChien of Altadena, California.

Doris also is survived by her sister, Norma Aldridge of Marion; her sister and brother-in-law, Delores and Bill York of French Lick, Indiana; her brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Regina Vaughn of St. Charles, Missouri; and George's brother, Kenneth Oliver, of North Ft. Myers, Florida.

Doris was especially close to her nieces and nephews and their families. She is survived by many of them, including Terri and Butch Martin and Treva and Randy Lands of Harrisburg and Tyler and Teresa Webb of Carterville, to whom she was not only a very special aunt, but also a second mother. In addition, she is survived by John and Carol Ziegler of Germantown, Tennessee; Carol Nolen of Harrisburg; Dawan Bush of Columbus, Indiana; Edie Martin of Paducah, Kentucky; Mikie Myers of Oklahoma City; David and Karen Aldridge of Marion; Michael and Delonda York of English, Indiana; LeeAnn York of Charlevoix, Michigan; Pamela and Stuart Zaid of Northport, New York; Debbie Winter Becker of St. Louis; Sean and Gretchen Vaughn of St. Peters, Missouri; and Jim and Dawn Vaughn of Pevely, Missouri.

She was very close to George's family, including the nieces and nephews. Those who survive include Karen Newman of Louisville, Kentucky; Gail Oliver of Brazil, Indiana; Charles and Liz Whitlock of Cottage Hills; Margaret Trammel of Harrisburg; Liz and Terry VanMeter of Carrier Mills; Barbara and Burt Trammel of Harrisburg; and Linda and Michael Zuscak of Durand, Michigan.

In addition, Doris is survived by numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, other extended family, many wonderful friends and her church family.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George and her son-in-law, the Hon. Robert P. LeChien. She also was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law: Eva and Lawrence Logsdon; Nona and Looney Martin; Willis and Norman Myers Sr.; Robert Aldridge; Jimella and Richard Webb; and by her brother, James Carol Vaughn.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by members of George's family, including her dear mother-in-law Grace R. Oliver who lived with Doris, George and Georgiann during the last years of her life. Also, she was preceded in death by father-in-law Charles R. Oliver; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charles and LaDema Oliver; Louise and James Morrow; Maynelle and Gene Whitlock; and Wanda Oliver.

Preceding her in death also were several nieces and nephews: Deneen Nolen; Dewayne Martin; Norman Myers Jr.; Patricia Ann Walstrom; Kevin York; Michael Becker; Fred Trammel; Steve Newman and James Morrow. She was also preceded in death by her very dear friend and companion of more than 20 years, James "Buck" Rice.

Doris held her family and friends close, and as our mother, our DeeDee, our sister, our aunt and our friend we will always hold her close in our hearts.

Services for Doris will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at McKinley Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at noon with services immediately thereafter at 1 p.m. at which her great-nephew, Rob Aldridge, will officiate.

Doris recognized the serious nature of the current world medical crisis and in her honor the family requests that those in attendance practice social distancing and consider wearing masks. Also, for those who are unable to attend, the service will broadcast via live stream on Facebook.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the 4C's Food Pantry or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.