Doris Shirley Estes

Doris Shirley Estes, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 93.

Doris was the devoted wife of the late Robert “Bob” Estes for over 66 years. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Donna Estes, Lisa Gits (Jacques), and the late Robert Estes, Jr. She lovingly embraced her role as “Grandma” to her grandchildren—Melissa Hutchison, Nicole Estes, Shawn Craig (Brooke), Tyler Estes (Shelly), Carly Rash, Phillip Rash, and the late Dylan Pherson. She especially found immeasurable joy in her six great-grandchildren: Lauren Estes, Ryan Estes, Landon Hutchison, Holden Hutchison, Addy Bowles, and Collins Dolan.Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Doris was the second of seven children of the late MLB star George Smith and his wife, Margaret. She is survived by her siblings Carol Rhoton (Donnie), Donnie Smith (Jean), and Butch Smith (Denice), and was preceded in death by her siblings Sonny Smith (Carol), June Hendricks (Charlie), and Betty Smith. Doris’s early years took her from Louisville to Brooklyn, New York, and ultimately to Richmond, Virginia, where she spent the rest of her life building a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and family.Doris was a woman of many passions. She loved softball, bowling, and especially golf. In her retirement years, she found great joy in spending time with the local golf community and became a treasured presence at Mill Quarter Golf Course. There, she spent over 20 years sharing her world-famous chicken salad along with her welcoming spirit with the Powhatan community.

Above all, Doris was the heart of her family. She was a shining example of grace, strength, and generosity—always putting others first and brightening every room with her smile. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the memories she helped create.She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, 06/27 at 2p.m. at Bennett and Barden funeral home in Powhatan, VA. The family invites those attending the service to a reception at 3p.m. nearby. Details will be disclosed at the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doris’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org .