Doris Jean Stewart Kitch

Doris Jean (Stewart) Kitch, of Gulfport, MS, surrounded by her loving family, was called home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvah T. Stewart Sr. of Gulfport, MS; her sister, Celia Frances (Stewart) Waterbury; and her brothers, Alvah T. Stewart Jr. and William L. Stewart, all of Gulfport.

Doris is survived by her three devoted sons, John Kitch (Pamela) of Gulfport, James Kitch (Susan) of Gulfport, and Jeffery Kitch (Shelle) of Abita Springs, LA; her cherished grandchildren, Brittany Garrett (Dustin) of Gulfport, Lauren Anderson (Chris) of Purvis, MS, Kelsey Ferguson (Ian) of New Orleans, LA, Jamie Kariean (Jordan) of Mandeville, LA, Alex Kitch (Kelsie) of Abita Springs, LA, Sydney Island (Rory) of Gulfport, Erinn Dominguez (Zach) of Macon, GA, and Amanda Kitch (Santiago) of Baton Rouge, LA; her precious great-grandchildren, Vada and Rory Island, Camille and Caroline Kariean, Leo and Miles Ferguson, Cecelia and Emmie Dominguez, and Aliza Anderson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris was born in Alexandria, LA on October 17, 1928. She was a lifelong resident of Gulfport, MS, where she was known for her generous spirit and unwavering dedication to her family. After graduating from Gulfport High School in 1946, she built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service to her community.

“Ms Doris,” as she was known throughout her neighborhood, was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport for almost 60 years. Her steadfast faith guided her through life’s joys and sorrows, and she instilled those same values in her children and grandchildren.

Doris had a gift for no-frills hospitality that made everyone feel welcome in her home. Her kitchen was the heart of many family gatherings, where her warmth brought comfort and joy to all who gathered around her table. She had a lifelong love of reading and could often be found with a good book in hand or making her regular visits to the Gulfport Public Library. Her simple pleasures were enjoying Shirley Temple movies and spending time on her front porch swing.

For almost 40 years, Doris worked as a secretary at the VA Hospital in Gulfport. She was also a proud and active member of Beta Sigma Phi professional sorority Xi Epsilon chapter, where she formed lasting friendships. After retirement, she dedicated herself to her family and church, while also pursuing her love of travel. The strength, wisdom, and unconditional love Doris showed throughout her 96 years have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and attending church services and gatherings.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM.

Ms. Doris will be laid to rest at Coalville Cemetery in Woolmarket following the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please sign the online guest book, and share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com