Doris Lane McDearmon

She wasn't an ordinary grandmother, so she deserved more than an ordinary name. Our Mac Mac, Doris Lane McDearmon, was as fun and endearing as the name suggests. Her hugs were as big as her personality. To visit was to expect them and of course, to reciprocate them. No side or back-in hugs allowed. Beneath the always well-manicured and well-mannered surface of this proper Virginia lady was a child-like spirit that was all-in for every board game and crossword puzzle, especially when a grandchild was snuggled up next to her. While you couldn't visit without a hug, you couldn't leave without a goodie bag for the drive home. When distance called for letter writing, her response was guaranteed to include a little something extra. She understood what a $5 bill meant to us kids, and she clearly cherished being the cause of that joy. Always intensely interested in the progress of our lives, Mac Mac truly enjoyed her 2 children, their spouses, her 7 grandchildren and her 16 great grandchildren, often traveling with her husband George across several states to stay closely connected with her far-reaching family.

But beyond her refusal to lose a game of Scattegories and her love for shiny things were traits deeper and more uncommon in our times. That child-like spirit was complimented by child-like faith that cultivated Christ-like character perhaps best displayed in her roles as wife and mother. Homemakers rarely make the headlines, but from cleaning dirty football jerseys to hosting gatherings, baking pecan pies and investing the extra effort required to support a visually impaired daughter even into adulthood, Mac Mac fully embraced the unseen heroism of motherhood. As much as we rightfully revere her heroic husband of 72 years, we also know that marriages with such strength and stamina consist of 3 strands, not just one. Mac Mac gracefully respected and served her husband while faithfully following his example in her own pursuit of God. It was the three-stranded chord of Jesus, George and Doris that produced such an indelible impact on their family, friends and churches. The question has been asked, "What if your greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God is not something you do, but someone you raise?" In the words of King Solomon, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is worthy to praised. Give her fruit of her hands and let her works praise at the gates!" (Proverbs 31:30-31) She held on to that charm and beauty all the way into her last days, but most importantly, her life demonstrated to us her fear of the Lord. We are her works. She is worthy of our praise. We will miss you Mac Mac, but we will see you again "when we all get to Heaven."

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 26th, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home with Pastor George G. McDearmon III officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia in charge of arrangements.