Doris Jean Robertson

Doris Jean Robertson, was born on July 10, 1937, in Lebanon, Ohio, to Rose Ann Hocker and Edward Gray. Doris moved to Cincinnati in 1945, where she built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, just days before her 88th birthday, surrounded by her loving family.

Doris dedicated her life to raising her children—Cynthia “Ann,” Ronald, and Darrell “Bernard.” She loved them deeply and was their constant source of strength, guidance, and unconditional support. Her devotion to her family was evident in everything she did, and she was immensely proud of her children’s lives and character.

She graduated from Lockland Wayne High School in the Class of 1956 and became a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church on April 27, 1969. Doris received countless awards for her dedication to her faith and was a devoted and cherished member of the women’s choir, where her voice and spirit uplifted many. She was also an active member of the Seasoned Saints Ministry, the Kitchen Ministry, and participated in community outreach through the church’s annual school supply giveaway.

In 1974, Doris married the late Willie Robertson, with whom she shared many cherished years. She had a deep love for flowers and gardening—spending countless hours tending to her plants and joyfully shopping for new blooms to add to her ever-growing garden. Her beautiful garden was recognized annually with the Forest Park Beautification Award, a testament to her dedication and passion.

Doris also loved to cook and often baked delicious treats to share with family and friends. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, creating warm and welcoming spaces where loved ones could come together and make lasting memories.

A natural caregiver at heart, Doris spent her career caring for the elderly at Longview, where her compassion touched the lives of many. It was there she met her lifelong best friend, Shirley Summerlin. Their friendship, which lasted more than 60 years, was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. She also shared a remarkable 70+ year friendship with Marilyn Long, a bond marked by loyalty, love, and the deep connection that only a lifetime of shared memories can bring.

Even in retiring, Doris continued caring for others—often sitting with elderly neighbors and friends, offering companionship, kindness, and comfort in their later years.

To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Nana.” She was the proud grandmother of Jaymon (Roxane), Jared (Maya), Jada, and Jasmine, and the great-grandmother of Jawhara. Whether attending school plays, basketball games, or cheering on her beloved Cincinnati Bengals, Doris’s pride and love for her family was always evident.

Doris is survived by her siblings Ruth “Caroline,” Thomas (Shelia), and Eugenia; sister-in-law Betty (Charles); her children Ronald (Lori) and Bernard; four grandchildren, Jaymon (Roxane), Jared (Maya), Jada, and Jasmine; and one great-granddaughter, Jawhara; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and extended family. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, Rose Ann and Edward Gray; her husband, Willie Robertson; her daughter, Cynthia “Ann”; and her brothers, Charles and Nathaniel “Darrell.”

Doris’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her memory will be forever cherished by the many lives she touched.

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