Doris Turner Brown, 96 went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 25. On December 28, 1928, she was born to John W. Turner Sr. and Paralee G. Turner. She was married to Jimmy Brown of Chattanooga, Tennessee until his death. When Doris entered a room, she was a light, bright and unforgettable, much like her signature red lipstick. She had a heart filled with endless generosity and lived a fearless life marked by tenacity, joy, and was always up for a good time. Doris was an avid animal lover; many will remember the baby doe she rescued and bottle-fed, along with the many goats and kittens she cared for, as well as her beloved dog Sugar. She found joy in shopping, boating, glamping, spending time at the beach, and most of all, creating cherished memories with her family and friends. Doris was known for her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. She began working for DuPont at the age of 16. In her late twenties/early thirties, she started and successfully ran the Tennessean Restaurant off Hwy 41, and many will fondly remember her years managing the Acuff Country Inn until her retirement. After retiring, Doris continued her spirit of service by generously volunteering her time at the Tennessee Aquarium. She was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 6362 Auxiliary of Jasper and a member of First Baptist Church of Jasper.
Doris was preceded in death by her father John W. Turner Sr., mother Paralee G. Turner, husband Jimmy Brown, brothers Melvin N. (Charlsie) Turner Sr. and John W. (Verda) Turner Jr.; and nieces Jane Elizabeth Turner and Gwendolyn (Charles) Turner Brooks.
Doris is survived by her nieces Doris (Jack) Turner Woods and Romona Lee Turner, nephew Melvin N. (Rebecca) Turner Jr., as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation was on Friday, January 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET) at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper.
Funeral services were also on Friday, January 2 at 12 p.m. CST (1 p.m. ET) in the Chapel of Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, with Pastor Ronnie Case who officiated.
Doris was laid to rest on Friday, January 2 at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Chattanooga, Tennessee immediately after the funeral services were held.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Doris’s devoted caregivers Sandy Greer, Amy Ragen, Darlene Reed, and Staci Brewster, who became like family through their loving care over the past several years. We are also deeply thankful for the compassion and comfort provided by Lisa, Ann, Morgan, and Pastor Ronnie Case with Hospice of Chattanooga.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.
The Marion Tribune – January 8, 2026