Doris Ann McMahan Bartlett

Doris Ann McMahan Bartlett, 61, of Canton, NC, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024 in her home. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary McMahan; and brothers, Clint and Jimmy McMahan.

Doris’ life is a tapestry rich with laughter and kindness. It tells a story of someone who loved children, animals, and the ocean. It paints a picture of long days spent in the summer sun, of countless dawns watched and Sundays spent celebrating faith. It combines the stories of so many others because that what Doris valued the most—deep connections. She always had a kind word and smile for everyone and would gladly give anyone her last dollar, even if it meant she would go without. As someone who suffered from addiction, Doris knew better than to judge another’s path in life. Everyone, she believed, had good in them, no matter what their circumstances or past was. Everyone deserved another chance.

Doris found happiness in the smallest of life’s gifts. Music, flowers, and daily conversations with both friends and strangers alike were all things to be cherished. Every experience was either a blessing or a reminder not to take things for granted. That such love and hope and dreams thrived despite life’s difficulties speaks volumes about Doris’ irrepressible spirit. In such a beautiful, vibrant tapestry of life, this is what we remember the most about her, and this is what we will carry with us always.

Surviving Doris is her father, James McMahan of Black Mountain, NC; son, Roy Walden (Leslie Zekoll) of Black Mountain, NC; daughters, Kristen Byrnes (Tom) of Asheville, NC, Ashley Walden (Jake Schoolfield) of Greensboro, NC; sister, Ruby Griffin (Robert) of Cherokee, NC; and granddaughter, Keri Walden (C.J. Minton) of Tulsa, OK.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be sent to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at www.ncadd.us.

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