Doris Jean Lee Marlin

The Pearly Gates were opened December 26, 2023, to receive Doris Jean Lee Marlin.  She was the daughter of Audrey and Jessie Lee & Lizzie and Robert Lee.  Born in Springfield, Il, she later moved to Providence, KY where she accepted Christ at the age of five at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Rosenwald High School in Providence but graduated from Lincoln High School in Evansville, IN.  Upon completing high school, she attended the University of Evansville, Kentucky State University, and graduated from the Madame C.J. Walker Beauty College in St. Louis, MO. 

Doris was blessed with two children, Mona, and Randall, from her first marriage. She was a woman of prayer and God sent her the soldier of her dreams, Staff Sargent Howard B. Marlin who preceded her in death.  This union was blessed with three children, Lilly, Lizeta, and Robert with the latter two children preceding her in death as well. 

Doris began her professional career as a beautician in Providence, KY.  She also worked at G.E. Aircraft in Madisonville, KY, from which she retired.  Although Doris enjoyed her professional career, her true love was working for Christ at Pleasant Hill.  She served in numerous positions within her church namely, member of the Chorale Group, the Young Matrons, and the Kitchen Crew in addition to serving as Sunday School teacher, BTU Director, Youth Choir Director, Official member of Dorcas Circle #4, Sanctuary Choir member and on the Mother’s Board.

Doris also saw the need to serve her community.  She was active in the Daughters of Cawthar, the Senior Citizens of Webster County, and Homemakers of Webster County. Doris loved to bowl and started the first Black Women’s Bowling Team in Madisonville; “The Syndicate”.  Upon her retirement from bowling, the team’s name was changed to Doris’ Girls.

Doris leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Mona Simms of Providence, Lilly Marlin of Lexington, KY; son, Randall Simms of Providence; stepson, Alonzo Simms of East Chicago, IN; grandchildren, Jaysuma (Cassandra) Simms of Chattanooga, TN, David Simms of Harlan, KY, Marqueta McMickens of Clarksville, IN; 8 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a dearly loved extended family.