Doris Sampson

Obituary For Doris Sampson

Doris Rivers-Sampson, affectionately known as “Cousin Doris”, was born in Woodford, SC to the late Louise Davis-Rivers and Malachi Rivers.

Doris’ education journey started in the Dover School System in North, SC and ended in the Boston Regional Area of Job Corps, Boston, MA.

After completing her education in Massachusetts, Doris remained there to rear her sons, Michael and Marcus Rivers until their late teen and adult years. “My boys” as Cousin Doris would call them, were her heartbeats, whom she greatly loved. She dedicated her life to them, even to the day she became ill.

In 1991, Cousin Doris relocated to Harrisburg, PA where her Aunt Barbara, Uncle Erskin and their eight children resided. That family was known as the Jones family of Harrisburg. In Doris’ youth, she was sent on dates with her Aunt and Uncle to keep them on the right path. Cousin Doris began spending so much time with her Harrisburg family along with her boys. Cousin loved family functions, including cook-outs, dinners, birthday parties and family sing-alongs. Cousin Doris was also the family baby-sitter from one generation to another spanning over 30 years where the young cousins called her “Aunt Doris.”

It was not long before Doris received the Lord Jesus as her personal savior and began to grow in the word of God at her church, Mount Calvary COGIC, under the leadership of the Late Pastor, Elder D.R. Gilmore. Doris became “Sister” Doris immediately. Sister Doris loved Bible study and attended regularly because of Mother Eveline Cooksey. She would say, “I understand the word better when Mo. Cooksey breaks it down.” Sister Doris briefly left Mount Calvary COGIC to join The Anointed Bible Teaching COG in 2005 under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Elder Cleveland Martin and his wife the late Jerry Dykes-Martin, Assistant Pastor. Sister Doris would be given yet another title as Deaconess Doris Rivers in this ministry. This elevation would be proven, tested and tried. To God be all the Glory!

After a few more years, Sister Doris would return back to Mount Calvary COGIC and became very active in the church. She was faithful member of the Wednesday Night Bible Study, The Greeters Ministry, Williams Memorial Choir, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Purity, Pastor’s Aide and The Pantry Ministry until her death. In 2023, Doris became a part of the Salvation Army Savvy Seniors where she interacted and spent her leisure. She loved and enjoyed the company of other seniors in many activities.

On January 1, 2026 at the age of 73, Cousin Doris-Rivers Sampson peacefully transitioned into eternal life at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Cousin Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Louise Davis-Rivers and Malachi Rivers, and her brother, Kelvin Davis.

Cousin Doris leaves to honor and cherish memories of her, her two sons; Michael and Marcus Rivers of Harrisburg, PA; her sister, Katie Purvis of Boston Massachusetts; her brothers; Dennis Rivers of Brooklyn, NY and Gerald Davis (Frances) of Salisbury, NC; her three grandchildren, Michael Rivers, Jr., Sharae Williams and Myisha Allen; her two great-grandchildren, Felix Abreu and Aniyah Allen and a host of cousins and friends from the north and south parts of the United States. Finally, she leaves to honor and cherish memories of her; her aunt, Thelma Culler and uncle, Johnny Davis of Woodford, SC and uncle, Erskin Jones, Sr. of Harrisburg, PA; also her Mount Calvary COGIC and The Anointed Bible Teaching COG Families.

Her life will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Friday, January 9, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Mt. Calvary Church of God In Christ, 1830 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12 Noon and burial in Churchville Cemetery.