Committal
Doris Lee Griffin McKesson, a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Hardy Griffin, Sr., was born September 8, 1933, in Morganton, North Carolina. She departed this life on Saturday, December 23, 2023, in Morganton, North Carolina. Doris received her associate degree from Morristown College in Morristown, Tennessee, where she graduated as a Valedictorian. After graduation, she met and married the love of her life, George Nelson McKesson, Sr, on August 7, 1955. She has always been the caregiver and nurturer, being the oldest sibling, and that was evident in her marriage when she decided to give her all to her husband and children. She was a stay-at-home wife and mom until her youngest child was old enough to go to school. She then embarked on a career of 36 years at Sears of Morganton, where she started in the phone room and worked her way to manager. After a short retirement hiatus, she decided to work at the SGL Carbon Credit Union for several years.
She was preceded in death after 48 years of marriage by her husband George, granddaughter Jamie Marie McKesson, her sisters Clara Mae Griffin, Bettye Sue Griffin Browder, Kay Frances Carter Griffin, her brother Clarence Eugene Griffin, Jr., and her brother-in-law Joseph Browder.
She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Morganton, where she created a second family. Thank you, Ms. Shirley, for the friendship, calls, and visits. They meant so much to her.
Left to cherish with loving memories are her children: George N. McKesson, Jr. (Leslie) of Morganton, where she resided and from whom she received the same loving and nurturing care she provided and showed from the beginning. James S. McKesson of Morganton and Chares H. “Jay Alexander” McKesson (Donna) of Lexington, Kentucky. One daughter, Tamla McKesson Reid (Sammie) of Rock Hill, South Carolina,
Grandchildren: Tina N. Caldwell, Yolanda D. Holiday (Joseph), Christoper G. Lytle, Justin L. Lytle, Bethanie M. King, Alton Michaux, John, Michaux, Meredith Michaux, Griffin N. McKesson, Jaszmine McKesson, Nick Brittan, Chris Capers, and Zachary J. Reid.
19 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Steve Bietz officiating.
Special thanks to Robin Caldwell; words cannot describe the love, support, and care she provided to her “Maw”. Thank you to the staff at UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital and Amorem for their loving kindness and assistance in ensuring Momma was able to come home with the support needed.
Some may wonder about the deer. Mom loved to watch the deer. We say they followed her to her son’s home, and they would track her by her window each day.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Doris Lee Griffin McKesson.
What a precious , sweet lady. Always positive and so kind. I miss seeing the three some of Clarence, Kay and Doris , in the pew in front of me at church. Condolences to the McKesson family. Wanda Mace
There are no words to describe what Doris “Maw Maw” and her family mean to me. I worked with her at Sears for 20 years. She was not only a friend, but was like a second mother to me. I was 16 when I went to work there. Doris was a great influence on me. She was a shining example of kindness, love & humor. She and I along with Pam, Libby, Lynn & many others, laughed and cried our way through our years together. Her children are very much like siblings to me. I love them dearly. I am so grateful to have been loved by Doris. She is rejoicing today in heaven as we are going to gather together to say our goodbye.
This phenomenal family member will surely be missed by all. She was such a loving and caring person who wore a smile of dignity. Receiving a college degree by Black Women was a rarity back in the day; however, her high intellect led her to this achievement. We are loved and respected her ❤️
Sending condolences to Jay, Donna and family. There’s no love like a Mother’s love! May God comfort you all during this season. 🌹🕊 Kim (Nelson) Lewis
Doris was such a kind hearted, sweet, and ready to help type person. Doris, Judy and I was the best of friends when working at the old Sears and Roebuck Store in Morganton. We shared laughter and tears as we struggled to survive the 70’s. May she find peace, love, and rest in our Father’s Kingdom. She will be greatly missed and joyfully remembered Pam (Creswell) Shugart Fairfield, Montana
The Shuping family has many fond memories of the Griffin family. We were neighbors and friends and sorry to learn of Doris’ passing. Our love and prayers! Jerry, Kay and Jim
My condolences to the family of Ms Doris.She was a very sweet person. I remember the times going to the Sears store to oder or pick something up, will would have I little chit-chat. Family keep her memories. God bless you . Love Vanya McElrath.
Prayers for the Family!
My condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. Love you!
My deepest sympathy to your family.