Doris Lefler Gidney

Doris Lefler Gidney, 92, of Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, at Givens Estates Health Center.

She was born in a logging camp in Rainbow Springs, NC on Nov. 24, 1929. Her father, Frank A. Lefler, was the foreman of a logging crew and her mother, Edna Ammons Lefler, was the camp cook during Doris’ youth.

During that time, Doris stayed with a Methodist minister and his wife, where Doris learned to read music, play the piano, and sing. Singing and music were a large part of her life and brought her tremendous joy.

After high school, Doris graduated from Cecil’s Business College and became a bookkeeper. Her work with the church led to her becoming a Church and Community Worker (CCW). With this and her accounting expertise, Doris became a Certified Financial Planner and after 18 years retired as Director of Deferred Giving for Global Ministries-Southeast. During this time, she traveled to all 50 states, five continents, and many countries.

Following her retirement, Doris served as an estate planner and public relations liaison for Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville. She did pro bono tax preparation for retired missionaries for many years.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and two granddaughters: Kendra Jenkins and Christy Jenkins Blazer. In 1994 she married Raymond Ferell who survives her. She is also survived by her sister, Lois Lynn of Canton, NC; and three children with deceased husband Charles W. Gidney: Mark Gidney (Julia) of Frisco, CO; Laura Jenkins (Bill) of Candler, NC; and Maggie Tilley (Harold) of Boone and Asheville, NC; three stepchildren: Nicky Ventura (Tony) of Carbondale IL; Tim Ferell of Cullowhee, NC; and Kai Ferell (Frances) of Cornelius, NC; as well as two granddaughters: Lisa Gidney Redman and Davis Gidney, three great-grandsons and two nieces.

A memorial service will be held in the Pulliam Chapel at Givens Estates on Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a gift in memory of Doris’ life to the Givens Estates Resident Assistance Ministry, www.givenscommunities.org/giving, and choose “Givens Estates – Resident Assistance Ministry.” Or mail to Givens Communities, Office of Philanthropy, 2630 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville NC 28803.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.