Doris Allen Smith, age 87, of Hilliard, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Sanford, North Carolina, at a very early age Doris moved to Rockingham, North Carolina, where she grew up in the shadow of a textile mill. She took great pride in being a “Carolina Girl” and carried that love throughout her life.
Doris married Floyd A. “Big Al” Smith Jr. on April 14, 1956, and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. She was a devoted wife accompanying Big Al as they moved to various locations during his employment with CSX Railroad. Doris was also a very loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from her family.
Doris’s grandchildren affectionately called her “Grandma Dorisee,” and to her friends, she was simply “Ms. Dorisee.” She will be remembered for her loving heart, strong family values, and the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her. Doris’s legacy included the joy she shared making her homemade biscuits and banana pudding, traditions that will continue to be treasured by her family.
Doris is survived by her loving husband, Floyd A. “Big Al” Smith Jr.; children, Jerry A. Smith (Debbie) and Teresa Smith Kidd, all of Hilliard, Florida; grandchildren, Sonya Golub of Atlanta, Georgia, Connor Murphy (Dylan) of Cornelia, Georgia, Ali Kidd of Woodstock, Georgia, Eric Soles (Kathy) of Middleburg, Florida; great-grandchildren, Maggie and Amelia Murphy, and Cory Gaige Soles; sister, Jennifer Hurlocker (Howard) of Concord, N.C.; as well as her extended family and friends who all loved her dearly.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Elsie Allen; son, Tony A. Smith; grandson, Cory Soles; and brother, Mack Allen.
Doris’s love, strength, and devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The tribute above was prepared by Doris’s loving family.
A celebration of Doris’s life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Nassau Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. An additional service and interment will be held at a later date in Rockingham, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doris’s honor to the Cory Soles Foundation, Inc. Donations may be mailed to the Cory Soles Foundation, Inc., 37433 Old Pineridge Road, Hilliard FL, 32046 (or venmo to @Cory-Soles).
The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.
