Doris Nell (Smith) Thomas

Doris Nell Thomas (Smith), age 96, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Doris was born on March 1, 1929, in Covington County, Mississippi, to Marjorie Jewell Smith (Polk) and Clinton Dlos Smith. She attended school in Covington County through the ninth grade. When her father went to work at Ingalls, the family moved to Pascagoula, where Doris continued her education at Pascagoula High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1947.

On November 1, 1948, Doris married Darwin Thomas of Blackfoot, Idaho, in Pascagoula. Together they built a loving family and raised three sons. Doris was devoted to her family and will be remembered for her steady presence, quiet strength, and deep love for those closest to her.

She is survived by two sons, Danny Thomas and Dustin (Kathy) Thomas of Pascagoula; grandchildren Ben Thomas (Brooke), Denise Duke (Justin), and Alan Hinkel; along with great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other cherished family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Jewell Smith; her beloved husband, Darwin Thomas; her son, Dennis Thomas (Lori); her brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald Smith (Grace) and Bobby Smith (Lavoy); and her grandson, Phillip Hinkel.

Doris’s life was defined by her dedication to family, and her steadfast love for and faith in God. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 11:00am -1:00 pm at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula. Funeral Service will follow in the chapel at 1:00pm. Private Interment will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in her honor to Arlington Baptist Church.

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