Doris Mildred Bliss passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the age of 91 after an extended illness. She was born in Watauga County on September 26, 1931, to the late William and Hester Aldridge Smith.

She is survived by her brother, Hoover Smith, two daughters, Elisabeth Bliss-Jaynes, and husband John of Conover and Neta Bliss of Boone, three grandchildren, Brent, Kayla, and Jason, along with Jason's family, and a large extended family made up of the descendants of her eight siblings.

During her life, she loved nature, art, and people. Her family and friends were her priority, and she was a fierce advocate for her community and Matney Liberty Church. She was an avid collector of rocks, marbles, artifacts and art, and the many people she befriended. Doris wrote two books recalling events of her childhood. She was also a talented jeweler and artist. Her mischievous spirit and generous nature endeared her to all who knew her. She will be missed.

We will celebrate her life on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 3:00 pm at Matney Liberty Church, 7121 NC 194, Banner Elk, NC 28604. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in honor of Doris to Matney Liberty Church at PO Box 1671 Banner Elk, NC 28604 or to the Matney Community Cemetery.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Doris Bliss.

Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.