Doris Janet (Williams) Kellam

Doris Janet Williams Kellam, 81 of Narrows, VA went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at her home surrounded by those who loved her the most, her family.  Doris was born on September 14, 1941, in Pembroke, VA and was a daughter of the late Rudolph Benton Williams and Emma Mae Lucas Williams.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Barrie “Jack” G. Williams (Pat), a sister, Patricia Williams Brookman (second husband, Donald and first husband, R.G. Akers, Jr.).

Doris was a 1959 graduate of Pembroke High School, where she cheered for the “Corncutters” with pride. She was also a 1962 Graduate of Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Roanoke.  During this time, she met the love of her life on a blind date, Colin.  She held numerous nursing positions as a Registered Nurse in Giles County including working at the locations of Giles Memorial Hospital and the Narrows Clinic where she worked under Dr. Maury C. Newton Jr., Dr. Walter Vom Lehn, Dr. Cesar Calilung, and Dr. Romeo Borillo.  She retired in 2000 from Celanese after 18 years of service in the Medical Department. While working there, she was a member of the fire brigade, actively participated in many repelling training sessions, and worked closely with the EMT’s and physicians in the area.  Even in retirement she never hung up her nurse’s cap, often lending a helping hand to anyone in need.

She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Narrows and served on the finance committee, parsonage committee, and the church council. In addition, she was the program chairman of the Senior Sunshine Committee.  She was a past member of the Red Hat Society and the Narrows Junior Woman’s Club.  Doris’ favorite past times that were near and dear to her heart included playing bunco and bridge with her dear friends and spending time with family at Little Meadows Hunt Club.  She loved cooking and could prepare a meal without using a recipe. She never missed an opportunity to create special memories with her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends that could never be forgotten.  No matter what length she had to go to, she supported her grandchildren to the fullest.  In fact, she went to all their extracurricular activities and never missed cheering on her beloved Green Wave teams.  Her constant beautiful smile could light up a room and her gentle, loving, selfless nature was infectious.  She is a prime example of a true Christian LADY.

She is survived by her husband and champ of 58 years, Colin Reynolds Kellam of Narrows, 2 daughters, Jennifer Kellam Miller of Wytheville, Sarah Kellam McGlothlin (Bradley “Ripper”) of Narrows, 4 grandchildren, Lauren Miller Boothe (Chris) of Winston-Salem, NC, Eden Nicole Miller of Wytheville, Abigail Morgan McGlothlin of Narrows, and Aidan Cole McGlothlin of Narrows, 1 sister, Lois Anderson (Dwain) of Snellville, GA, and two brothers, Richard Williams (Carol) of Sumter, SC and Curtis Williams, (Dreama) of Pembroke, and numerous beloved friends, cousins, nieces and nephews that are too many to mention.  The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of the Carillion New River Valley Medical Center Staff, primarily the CCU staff, who went above and beyond with their tender loving care.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, November 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Narrows with the Rev. Doug Armstrong officiating, with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg.  The family will receive friends and family at the church 2 hours before the service. The family is being served by Givens – Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to the Narrows First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or donating blood to the American Red Cross.  The family requests for everyone to take time to hug their loved ones and live life by Doris’ mottos: “Life is short, eat dessert first,” and “God first, family second.”

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