Thursday, November 5, 2026 3:27 pm

Doris Foster Gorman, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Born on February 5, 1935, Doris was the daughter of the late Lewis David Foster and Vera Roberts Foster of Blacksburg, South Carolina. One of five siblings, Doris grew up surrounded by family, and that love of family remained at the heart of her life. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose vibrant personality, loving spirit, and wonderful sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Before meeting her husband, Donald "Don" Gorman, Doris worked at Belk in Gaffney, South Carolina. Doris and Don shared 41 years of marriage and together raised three beautiful daughters. She later worked at Ora Mill for more than 25 years, where she was known not only for her dedication but also for her baking talents. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning first place in a baking contest with her delicious black walnut pound cake, a sweet memory that her family will always treasure.

Doris found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending to her garden, admiring her flowers, baking, traveling to the beach and mountains, and, most of all, gathering around the table with family to share stories, laughter, and good food. She took great pride in her beautiful flowers, but she loved her grandchildren even more--even when their little hands picked the very blooms she had worked so hard to grow. She loved the colors red and purple and was rarely seen without her lipstick! She enjoyed a good joke and had a quiet, distinctive laugh that could bring a smile to anyone's face. And while she loved a good celebration, there was one thing she could certainly do without--having "Happy Birthday" sung to her in a public place!

Doris was a member of Eastside Baptist Church and treasured the many friendships she made throughout her life. She especially loved her neighborhood and the close-knit community of friends who looked out for one another over the years. Those relationships brought her great comfort and joy.

For the past eight years, Doris made her home at Shelby Manor Assisted Living, where she formed many special friendships with residents and staff alike. Her wonderful sense of humor kept everyone entertained, and she quickly became affectionately known as "Mamaw" to the staff. They loved her dearly and cared for her as though she were one of their own. The friendships, laughter, and love she shared during those years were truly special.

Above all, Doris treasured her family. Whether gathered around the dinner table, sharing a funny story, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play, or simply spending time together, she found her greatest happiness in the company of those she loved. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and joy, and the memories they created together will be cherished for generations.

Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Gorman; her daughter, Janet Sisk; her sons-in-law, Dean Alexander, Ronnie Sisk and Roger Davis; her parents, Lewis David Foster and Vera Roberts Foster; her brothers, Lewis Lawrence "Bud" Foster and Morris Foster (Martha); her sister, Nell Foster Hammett (Bobby); and her brother-in-law, Bob Allen.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Donnis Davis and Kay White; her sister, Shirley Foster Allen; her cherished grandchildren, Mischia Taylor (Greg), Jeremy Sisk (Amber), Jenny Wiggins (Jacob), Hal Alexander (Katie), Kalyn White (Chelsea), and Kelsey White (Tyler); and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

A funeral service celebrating Doris's life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home Chapel, 106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC, with burial to follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the home following the graveside service.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, support, and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time. A special thank-you is extended to the staff of Shelby Manor Assisted Living for the kindness, compassion, friendship, and loving care they provided Doris throughout the years.

Doris will be deeply missed, but her family and friends will forever remember her gentle laugh, colorful personality, love of family, and the countless little moments that made her so special. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the friendships she treasured, and the memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.