04/09/2026
Doris Close Estes passed away peacefully with her son, Stephen, at her side on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 7:15 am at Hospice of Chattanooga. She would have been 96 on April 28.
Her life was defined by overflowing kindness and generosity, giving unconditionally to those around her. Her friends describe Doris as a beautiful lady both inside and out. She worked hard all of her life, in the fields, in her home, in the family grocery store, and in the tax assessor’s office alongside her late husband, Jack Estes. She was always willing to give of her time and energy, quietly serving family, friends, and neighbors whenever there was a need. She kept a garden as long as she was able. She grew vegetables and flowers not so much for herself, but to always have fresh, good food to give to others.
Doris was the daughter of the late Elmer and Alta Close of Smithville. She was one of eleven children and was preceded in death by her siblings Opal Cantrell (Frank), Ed Close, Barbie Spencer (Willie Jewel), Drusie Myers (Jimmy), Mary Brownie Dimali (Rudy), Paul Close (Ruetta), Josephine Jo (Ted), Hoyte Close (Margie Dean), and Otis Close (Margarette). She is survived by her youngest sister, Margie Ann Patterson (AW) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Doris was married to her husband, Jack Eugene Estes, for 58 years until his passing in 2012. She was a steady and faithful presence in Jack’s life, often seen working beside him at the family-owned Estes Super Market in Smithville and later supporting him through three terms as Tax Assessor of DeKalb County. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, service and community.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Smithville and faithfully attended for many years, serving as part of the women’s ministry. Doris was also known throughout the community as a trusted and compassionate caregiver. She cared for her parents, Jack’s parents, several of her siblings, and others in their final seasons of life. Even in her own final days, when asked how she was feeling, she would turn the question back to others, asking, “I’m fine, but are you ok today? How are you? It’s good to see you again!” That was simply who she was.
Doris’s family, friends, and neighbors often describe her as one of the sweetest women and mothers on earth. Her life was not marked by recognition or attention, but by steady love, humility, and a deep care for others that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She is survived by her three beloved children, Tarron Janice Estes, Mark Estes and his wife Marcia Isola Estes, and Stephen Kirk Estes, along with her three precious grandchildren, Ferrin Gage Hurst (Stephen) of Crestview, Florida, Jonathan William Estes (Mark), and Hannah Elissa Estes (Mark) of Ooltewah, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be held at Love Cantrell Funeral Home on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Guests are welcome to arrive at 12:00 pm noon, with the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Following the service, she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Jack, at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Chaplain Bill Hawkins will officiate.
The family welcomes all who knew her to come and celebrate her life and her new address in eternity with the God she knew and loved. Flowers and plants are welcome, or donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the First Baptist Church of Smithville Friendship Community Outreach Mission.
Doris Close Estes passed away peacefully with her son, Stephen, at her side on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 715 am at Hospice of Chattanooga. She would have been 96 on April 28. Her life was defined by overflowing kindness and generosity, giving unconditionally to those around her. Her
