Doris Lillard

Doris Lillard entered peacefully into her Heavenly home Friday, July 18, 2025 after a period of declining health at the age of 86.

Doris was born on May 17, 1939, and was the daughter of James Hicks Wikle and Mary Etta McMahan Wikle. Doris is survived by her 3 children: Ricky Lillard (Patti Curtis), Kathy McMahan (David), and Steve Lillard (Lee). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kevin Brown, Chris Queen, Ashley Bolick (Calvin), Josh Brown, Andrew Lillard (Katrina), Hannah Lillard, Robbie Queen and Megan Lillard. Doris was also blessed with 3 great-grandchildren: Daysha Lossiah, Charlie Queen, Carter Queen and due soon, Benjamin Lillard. Doris is also survived by her siblings Margaret Martin, Ruth Metcalf (Bill) and Bobby Wikle.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Bobby Lillard and 3 children: Rhonda Lillard, Robert C. Lillard and Mary Lynn Queen. She was also preceded in death by brothers Paul Wikle and Dean Wikle and two sisters, Annie Robinson and Mary Ann Carter.

Doris retired from Western Carolina University, but she will be most remembered as the devoted matriarch for her family as a loving Mom and Mamaw. Doris will also be remembered as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and true example of a virtuous woman. She was a member of Long Branch Baptist Church where she worshipped and fervently prayed for those in her life. It was her prayer that the family circle would be unbroken and all would come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.

A funeral service will be held for Doris Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Long Branch Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 – 3:00. There will be a private graveside service at Franklin Cemetery a later date.

The family would like to thank Four Seasons Hospice and Skyland Care Center for their care and compassionate provided to Doris.

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