Doris Lorene Kirkwood was born August 23, 1959, in West, Mississippi, to George Washington Kirkwood and Doris Dell Kirkwood. Doris Lorene Kirkwood transitioned into eternal life on March 31, 2025, in Milwaukee, WI in presence of family and friends.

Doris was a small-town girl with big dreams and a blessed vision. One of 14 children, Doris was the first of her siblings to attend and graduate college. Her athletic skills and ability on the basketball court earned her a state championship and a full scholarship at Mississippi Valley State University. With a strong love for children, athletics, and learning, Doris became a physical education teacher in Milwaukee, WI in the late 1980's. Though, she started as a physical education teacher, Doris later earned her master's degree in School counseling and a second master's degree in educational leadership. After receiving these degrees, she continued her career as counselor as well as an assistant principal throughout several Milwaukee Public Schools for nearly 40 years.

On Sunday, March 18, 1990, Doris welcomed her one and only child, her daughter, Markeyla Sharay Kirkwood, lovely known as “Boo” to the world. Doris and Markeyla were not only mother and daughter but best friends, a wonderful dynamic duo. They had a relationship that is rarely experienced between mothers and daughter, an unshakable bond.

Doris has always had a generous heart and caring spirit. Honoring the promise, she made to her mother during her mother's heavenly transition. Doris has always cared for and provided food and necessities to her friends, co-workers as well as students and their families.

Doris will always be known for her passion and talent… cooking!! She is one of the best cooks and her family, friends, students, co-workers, and strangers can all testify to this. Without her cooking and hospitality, Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and major holidays will never be the same.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, three of her brothers: Terry Kirkwood, John Earl Kirkwood, and George Kirkwood, Jr. and one of her sisters, Melvina Woods. However, she leaves her legacy and memory to be cherished by her daughter: Markeyla Kirkwood; her aunt: Charlie Mae; her five brothers: Jimmy Kirkwood, Joe Cross, Thomas Kirkwood, Keith Lowery and Clavin Chester, and her seven sisters: Dianne Kirkwood, Betty King, Alfreda Reynolds, Ruthie Kirkwood, Debra Kirkwood, Wanda Kirkwood and Rhonda Cobbins as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and God children.

PLACE OF SERVICE: West Baptist M.B. Church, West, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday 04/19/2025 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: West Baptist Cemetery, West, MS

VIEWING: Friday 04/18/2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.