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Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 NKJV
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, “06-19-1957;” And a time to die; “07-10-2022.”
Doris Marthena Styles was born to BettyJoe Styles-Gary and the late Thomas W. Ballard on June 19, 1957 at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the second oldest child of four siblings, Stephanie, Blair and Wanda. As a child, she was affectionately nicknamed “Mop Nunny.Nunon”.
Doris peaceably passed away at Kindred Hospital after a long-term illness on Sunday, July 10, 2022.
Doris’s parents, Betty and Clifton reared their four children in a nurturing Christian environment and stipulated the importance of character, education, and work ethics. The family enjoyed birthdays, holidays, sports, (heavyweight fights, basketball and football), vacations to Atlantic City, Wildwood, Lake Island, Picnics, day trips to Smith Playground and the family reunions in Washington, Georgia. In addition, Doris grew up with cousins, “the descendants of her grandmother siblings, the Britton Family.” In which, they affectionately call one another “Cuz,” up until this day.
Doris was a five-year-old child when the doctors diagnosed her with rheumatic fever (a serious heart condition). She was a patient for one year at the St. Christopher Heart Hospital for Children. The doctor said her heart would not survive childbirth if she decided to have any children. However, God had other plans. Doris became a devoted and loving mother to her one and only son, “Isaiah Styles-Lawrence,” born to her on July, 31, 1993.
Doris family attended Second Shiloh Baptist Church during her early childhood years. In the 1980s she re-dedicated her life to the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, joining the Philippians Baptist Church, and was baptized under the leadership of late Rev. Amos Brackeen. Doris moved her Christian experience in the 1990s to Triumph Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. James Hall. Senior Pastor. She was ordained a Deaconess in 2010. She attended Sunday School and Bible classes regularly and was a faithful member until her health declined.
Doris’ was educated in the Philadelphia School District system and graduated from Simon Gratz High School. She extended her educational endeavors at Community College of Philadelphia and Philadelphia OIC Opportunities Industrialization Center for job training and career development. Doris graduated from OIC Philadelphia with a certificate in Administration and Office Training. She learned to type 60 words per minute. In addition, Doris graduated from Deliverance Bible Institute with a certificate(s) in Biblical Studies, Old and New Testaments, Discipleship, Evangelism and Books of the Bible
Doris secured various administrative positions during her careers in corporate America: Reliance Insurance Company, Hahnemann Hospital, Einstein Hospital, The Women’s Christian Alliance, and the Guild House Seniors Citizen complex. in as Administration and clerical positions
Doris was an avid reader of the Bible, as well as fiction and non-fiction books. She enjoyed dancing, people, dressing, with hats and shoes to match her wardrobe. Her favorite colors were white and red; she enjoyed soul food, desserts and fine cuisine; had a love for gospel music and R&B Rhythm and Blues. She attended concerts in both genres. She also had a beautiful singing voice. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir was one of her favorite gospel choirs. Doris did not mind travelling with or without companions/friends during her time of leisure. She often quoted, “I can always meet new people during vacation.” God will protect me.
Doris had a smile that would light up the room. She was a very lively, direct and vivacious, friendly, fun-loving, and talkative person. She also loved to vacation to the islands, and never hesitated to befriend people from all cultures, classes and occupations or careers. Her sister Stephanie nicknamed Doris, “The Mayor of North Philly,” because she walked house to house visiting everyone in North Philly, including her friends’ parents.
Our beloved Doris went home to be with the Lord after a lengthy illness. She wrote a letter saying, “My Soul Looks Back and I Wonder How I Got Over.” Do not worry about me, because I made it over; I am with loved ones. She’s now with a great cloud of witnesses, (her grandmother “Lucy;” Aunt Gail, Uncle Abe, Cousin Bev, Nephew Robert, and best friend, Meechie and so many others).
She leaves to cherish beautiful memories of love and laughter, her beloved mother, BettyJoe Styles-Gary, one son, Isaiah Styles-Lawrence, Houston, Texas, one brother, Clifton, “Blair,” Gary, Jr., two sisters, Elder Stephanie Styles, (Robert, Jr.) Evans and Wanda Price (Caregiver); six nieces, Ayesha (Darnell) Adolphus, Zarinah (Cerone) Brown, Teekenya Price, Grace Price, a very special and faithful niece, Kevra Price, Abria (Deron) Ransome, one nephew preceded her in death, Robert R. Evans, III; favorite & loving aunt-confidante, “ Phyllisa “Boo-boo,” Styles, uncles, James (Edith) Styles, Atlanta, Georgia, Frank (Eve) Styles, Ronald (Carol) Ballard, Herbert Ballard; four great nieces, Siani, Alani, Maya, Zoey, three great-nephews, Nasir, Christopher, and Bryce; three special friends, Herbert Lawrence, Andrea Wideman-Robinson, and Princeen Hutchinson. A host of nieces, nephews, family and numerous friends.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
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