Doris L. Welch, 95, of Valdosta, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026. She was born in Adel, GA, on May 5, 1931, to the late Pratt Gibbs and Eula Lee Warren Gibbs.

Doris loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed having everyone gathered together, sharing laughter and enjoying the delicious food she lovingly prepared. She was particularly known for her homemade mashed potatoes. Doris also loved to travel, whether taking a trip to Atlanta or traveling across the ocean to Europe. She always enjoyed being on the move and continued traveling well into her 90s. She also loved playing cards and was a member of two card clubs. Doris took great delight in her children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Doris is survived by her daughters, Barbara Culbertson and Kay Griffith, both of Valdosta; her grandchildren, Dale Flythe and Mark (Penny) Flythe, both of Valdosta; Melissa (Jim) Collins, of Florida; Jessica (Kellie) Griffith, of Alapaha; Laura (Kyle) Music, of Lakeland, GA; Jenny Dutton and Mathew (Farrah) Dutton, both of Atlanta; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Yvonne Dutton, of Atlanta.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Welch; her daughters, Becky Flythe and Dotty Burke; and her siblings, Pauline, George, Ethel, Cecil, and Sam Gibbs.

A funeral service for Doris will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Nelligan officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home