Doris Henrietta Connelly was born Jul 12, 1937, to the late Emily Johnson and Lawrence Morris. She transitioned from labor to reward on October 16, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband Reverend Marvin Connelly, Sr., three sisters Annie Morris Hughes, Hazel Morris, Marguerite Brenda Morris and two brothers, Lawrence Morris, Clarence Morris.

She attended Olive Hill High School. Her dedicated work ethic was exhibited at Valdese Manufacturer and later as a supervisor at both The North Carolina School for the Deaf and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center formerly Western Carolina Center. As co-owner of Dependable Maintenance Janitorial Service, there truly was no job too big or small as she assured everyone did it all!

Doris could be seen every Sunday wearing one of her many hats to Mt Zion Baptist Church until her health began to fail. She leaves to cherish her memory four children of her union to the late Reverend Marvin Connelly: Doris Marvena McCain (Camp Springs, MD), Gaither Antonio Connelly (Oriental, NC) Cynthia Connelly (Valdese, NC), Marvin Connelly Jr – Joyce (Raleigh, NC) as well as one, special nephew Parish Morris -Donna (Atlanta, GA) and one sister – Dorothy Fullwood (Charlotte, NC).

She was affectionately called Nanny or Big Nonnie by her 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grand.

Doris shared a special bond with her neighbors: Frances Tate, Mary Johnson, Anne Ramsuer and Louise Tucker. She had a heart of gold and gave to many in the community and beyond. Her stern personality would often turn to laughter and joy to all who happened to stop by for a porch side chat such as Maseline Berry and Shirley Kincaid. She epitomized the saying. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” as her love of furniture left no discarded couch or chair by the side of the road. She will be greatly missed in Berrytown and surrounding communities.

Public Viewing: 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Valdese, NC 28690.

Visitation: 1:30 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Valdese, NC 28690.

Funeral will be held 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 4427 Berry School Avenue in Valdese, NC 28690.

Burial: Burke Memorial Cemetery, 2506 Burke Memorial Park Road in Morganton, NC 28655