Doris Thompson

Doris Thompson, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 79, in Tupelo Mississippi.

Doris’s life began on September 17, 1946 in Baldwyn, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Lee and Delcia Cates Starling who lived in the unity community. This is where she grew up and went to school. Doris was a very outgoing child who loved people and making friends. Doris also received Christ as her Savior at an early age and spent her life helping others. It was often said of Doris that she never met a stranger. She always made people feel special and loved.

Doris had many different careers in her life but one passion she had was taking care of children. Doris and her daughter Kim owned and operated the Saltillo Preschool and Daycare in Saltillo, Mississippi where they helped to nurture and teach so many children and made family connections that last to this day. Doris also loved to play the piano. She was the pianist for the Unity Church of God of Prophecy for many years as well as the pianist at Oak Grove Methodist Church. Doris also loved traveling to the mountains of North Carolina and visiting Maggie Valley. Doris’ number one passion was taking care of her family. She loved cooking for her family and she was an excellent cook! She loved sewing also and made many costumes for her grands throughout their school years.

Doris is survived by her husband of thirty-five years Danny Thompson ; One sister-in- law, Patty Richey(William) Mooreville and one brother-in law Jason Thompson(Crystal) Mantachie, her three children Danny Willis ( Sherry, ) Baldwyn, Geoffrey Willis( Angela) Blue Springs, and Kimberly Willis, Unity Community, two step children Ryan Thompson (Lindsey) Dorsey and Tawana Weaver( Todd} Charleston, South Carolina) ; ten grandchildren Brittany Steward, Bethany Duncan, Jordan Willis, Payton Willis, Carter Willis, Cameron Willis, Austin Azlin, Jaycee Thompson, Rylin Thompson, and Cade Threlkeld : three great grandchildren Maggie Steward, Milo Steward, and Banks Duncan. She is also survived by her best friend of many years Margaret George as well as two special cousins James Elton Cates and Regina Shumaker and an extended special member of the family, Dewayne Ginn.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Delcia Starling.

A special thanks goes out to Joy Franks her medical provider of many years!

Those who knew Doris Thompson will always remember her beautiful smile, her kind heart, her faith, and her love for her family. Her life touched many, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

A funeral service will be held on Friday January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p. m. at Waters Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Graham officiating. Burial will be in Unity Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Austin Azlin, Payton Willis, Josh Steward, Brent Duncan, Jason Thompson, and Ryan Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers include Milo Steward, Cade Threlkeld, Cameron Willis, and Jordan Willis.

Visitation will be Thursday night January 15,2026 from 5:00- 8:00 p. m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @www.watersfuneralservice.come