Doris Ann Hurnton

Doris Ann Hurnton was an only child, born January 1, 1940 in Odessa, Texas to Estena Cluff and Welton Hurnton.

After moving to Oregon with her parents as a young child she spent most of her childhood staying with her aunts and uncles traveling between Oregon and Texas. The Hurnton’s were a large family and she loved being with them learning to cook and sew while listening to family history and sharing good times. 

Her family lived in Vanport City and were survivors of the 1948 Memorial Day Vanport Flood. She never forgot this tragic event, sharing memories of her evacuation and recalling clearly having to leave their home after her aunt had baked a cake and returning afterward to find the cake still intact on the kitchen table.

Doris was educated in Portland, at the Girls Polytechnic High School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. After high school she earned certificates of achievement in sewing and weaving. She joined her mother working as a cook in several restaurants and hotels in the city. Doris and her best friend Barbara would often assist her mother with cooking, serving and catering large fancy events and she later went to work for Janzen Knitting Mills utilizing her love for sewing. She later worked for Steinfield’s Products where she remained employed until she retired in 2002.

In the early 1980’s Doris rededicated her life to the Lord and worked tirelessly utilizing her gift of hospitality. She became a Deaconess in the Church of God in Christ and served as Pastors Aide in several ministries. She spent countless hours fundraising and assisting with building the ministry. Doris loved going to church! Praise and worship and a good word from the Lord carried her through life and gave her great peace and comfort. She would often yell out, “Let’s pick em up and put em down!”

Doris enjoyed life and being a New Year’s baby, she was always the life of the party. Her smile could light up a room and her laugh was infectious and full of life. Fishing was one of her passions, she spent many weekends traveling throughout Oregon camping and fishing. Early mornings on the lake followed by late evenings frying freshly caught fish, playing cards, dominos and having fun brought her great joy. Doris loved to travel, and she often traveled to care for loved ones and friends during their illness and times of need.

Raising three daughters she always carried tremendous pride in being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She is proceeded in death by her spouse Hershel Smith as well as her parents Welton Hurnton and Estena Cluff.  Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters; Linda Tolston, Esther Hurnton and Marla (Bryant) Campbell all of Portland, Oregon,  Grandchildren; Gregory, Dorian, Devin, Gearicen and Brycen,  Great grandchildren; Kiyara, Gregory and King.  

She was known and loved as “Grandma Doris” to the Garland, Campbell and Foster families.

Doris will be loved and missed eternally by all who knew her and shared in her life’s journey.  This New Year’s Baby will never be forgotten as the bells ring in each and every New Year!!

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