Doris Ketner Estes, 87, of Chattanooga, and resident of East Brainerd for 42 years, peacefully departed this life to enter her heavenly home on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

Doris was born on December 20, 1924, in Chickamauga, Ga. She was a graduate of McKenzie Business School and shortly after was employed as an office assistant to a prominent late Chattanooga Judge.

Doris is preceded in death by her mother and father, Ethel and George Ketner, and her former late husband of 37 years, Thomas Earl Estes.

Survivors include children, Gary (Nancy) Estes of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Debbie (Dan) Durham of Signal Mtn. Tenn.; Grandchildren, Meredith (Mike) Feistner of Lenoir City, Tenn.; Beau Durham of Signal Mtn., Tenn.; Alex (Maggie) Estes of Chattanooga, Tenn., Ashley (Michael) Brezina of Knoxville, Tenn., and Erin (Austin) Jayne of Signal Mtn., Tenn. ; Great grandchildren, Sydney Feistner of Lenoir City; and Mary West Estes of Chattanooga; Siblings, Betty Marcello of Chattanooga and George (Pam) Ketner of Stockbridge, Ga.; Her best friends, "The Nutty Buddies", Florence Lawrence, Vivian Parks and the late Helen Martin. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends at the Terrace at Mountain Creek.

In addition to giving unconditional love to so many, Doris' hobbies included gardening, volunteering, playing bridge with her friends, ceramics, and doll making. She also enjoyed playing golf at the Brainerd Golf Course and Rivermont Golf and Country Club, where she was a member of the Ladies Golf Association. This past February she took great pride in being crowned Valentine's Day Queen at her home of the past 3 years, The Terrace at Mountain Creek. Not only did Doris always put others before herself, but as an active member of The Brainerd Baptist Church and "The Good News" Sunday School class for over 50 years, she painted the perfect picture of a good Christian woman. Her family and friends stand testament to her unwavering faith in the Lord.

Family will receive friends at Brainerd Baptist Church from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24th. Memorial Services will be held following visitation. Burial will follow at the Lakewood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "The Good News" Sunday School class of Brainerd Baptist Church located at 300 Brookfield Avenue or a charity of your choice.