Doris Parrish Kelly

Doris Parrish Kelly September 9, 1940 – August 1, 2026 

Sanford, North Carolina

Doris Parrish Kelly, age 85, of Sanford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford after a brief illness.

She was born in Lee County on September 9, 1940, the daughter of the late Elijah Raymond Parrish and Mary Ann Stone Parrish. Doris worked for many years at Koury Company before moving to Moen Corporation, where she served as an inspector until her retirement.

A devoted daughter of the King, Doris spent more than 50 years in His service as a soul winner. She faithfully taught Sunday School and YMWB (Young Missionary Workers Band), taught Vacation Bible School, hosted prayer meetings in her home, and preached at high-rise apartments for shut-ins alongside her friend Evelyn Stocks, who provided the music. She spent her life telling others about Jesus, the Man who rescued her from sin and death. A spiritual mother to many, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Gordon Nelson Kelly and James Edward McDowell; brothers Robert Parrish and Willie Joe “Buddy” Parrish; sisters Barbara Kelly and Janice Hart; her children Cynthia Marie McDowell-McNeill, Holly Eileen Kelly, and Sherry Kelly Dowdy; and her grandchildren Amy Lynn Hart and April Mashburn.

She is survived by her son Raymond McDowell of Sanford, NC, and her daughter Kathy Tobias (Victor) of Sanford, NC; her sister Mary Katherine Douglas (Thomas) of Sanford, NC; grandchildren Eric Phillips (Dani), Trae Baker (Kelly), Chris Phillips, Elizabeth Inman, Josh McDowell, Rachel Ostheim (Zach), and Morgan Todd (Zacc Carter); great-grandchildren Blake Combs, Raegan Harrington, Joseph Hart, Adrianna Spears, Tatume Hayes, Kaylee Phillips, Riley Phillips, Hunter Williams, Angelina Hart, Bentley Williams, Aubreigh Williams, Layla Hunt, Maggie Phillips, Lynleigh Baker, Gracie Ostheim, Nelson Baker, and Jace Ostheim; and her honorary furry daughter, Lilly Bell Kelly.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Sanford Church of God, 2105 Pathway Drive, Sanford, NC 27330. A celebration of life service will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Cecil Ayers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to her favorite cause, Soul Winning, at the Sanford Church of God Children and Youth Ministries.

Online condolences may be shared at smithfuneralhomebroadway.com.  are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway, Inc.