Doris (Shapley) Mahan, 96, of Eminence, Missouri, left this life on earth for her heavenly home on December 24, 2024, at Strafford Care Center, Strafford, Missouri.
She is survived by her children, Carl (Kathy) Mahan of Eminence, MO, Carol (Rick) Johnson of Lebanon, MO, Clinton Mahan (Linda Nichols) of Eminence, MO, and Clayton (Loudonna) Mahan of Obion, TN; 14 grandchildren, Carla Erickson, CJ Mahan, Dusty Titus, Steven Titus, Brooke Jordan, Amber Johnson, Armand Spurgin, Justin Spurgin, Emily Mahan, Amanda Mahan, Jessie Smith, A.J. Mahan, Nathan Mahan, and Jonathan Mahan; 28 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Caroline Shapley; two infant brothers, Claude and Leonard; her older sister, Claire Howard; her twin sister, Dorothy Knudson; her daughter, Cathy Jo Spurgin; and son-in-law, Bill Spurgin.
She was born on March 5, 1928, to Carl and Caroline Shapley in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, Washington. Her childhood days were spent outside with her dad, taking care of the animals, keeping the barn clean, exploring with her dog, Major, and swimming at the beach.
Doris and her twin sister, Dot, both worked in a fish cannery and spotted planes during high school as a part of the war effort during WWII. It was during this time that she met a sailor at the Grange Dance, Seaman Mahan. They were married on March 23, 1945, and a few months later, she left for Eminence, Missouri, and a whole new way of life. To this union were born her five children, Carl John, Carol Jane, Cathy Jo, Clinton James, and Clayton Jack.
Doris was a devoted servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and always said “The best thing that ever happened to her was meeting Albert and Bertha Russell, who led her to the Lord.” Other important mentors in her Christian walk were Georgia Wright at Bethany Chapel, Brother Lawrence and Sister Violet Lawrence, and Brother Lloyd and Sister Louise Welch of Assembly of God Church in Eminence. She faithfully taught Children’s Church at the Assembly of God Church for 42 years. At the time of her death, Doris was a member of Fellowship Tabernacle. She met with several ladies from Fellowship Tabernacle in her later years of life, where they would pray for their families, the church, and the country.
Doris was a wonderful mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. She loved to tell her children and grandchildren stories about her life and the adventures she had. Doris loved all animals but has a special fondness for horses, dogs, and cats. She was an avid crafter and loved to sew, crochet and quilt. She gave generously of herself to others with her quilts, lap robes, and her baked goods. Her love of Jesus was shown in everything she did, and while we rejoice that she is with him now, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri, with Pastor Randy Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Munsell Cemetery, Eminence. Memorial contributions may be made to Integrity Hospice 2131 Primrose Ave, Springfield, MO 65804. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
