Doris M. Abel, 92, Belle, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at the General Baptist Nursing Facility in Linn.
She was born July 31, 1929, to Jesse and Edith (Wallace) Birdsong, in Belle.
She was united in marriage to Terry Abel, Aug. 28, 1949, in Belle.
Doris was a lifelong Belle resident and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church. She was a 1947 graduate of Belle High School and valedictorian of her class. She went on to receive her Associates Degree from William Woods University, Fulton, in 1949, and later received her teaching certificate from Lincoln University.
Doris taught at Belle High School for 29 years, teaching many different grades and many different classes. She was very dedicated to her work and the children she taught. Together with her husband, they ran the ABC store in Belle for 67 years, until a fire took it from them. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She will be missed tremendously by her family, church, and community.
Doris was preceded in death by parents Jesse and Edith; brother Glen Birdsong; and sister Faye Turner.
She is survived by husband Terry; daughter Terra Sue Abel of Jefferson City; son Ty and wife Beverly Abel of Belle; six grandchildren, Sonya Hance and husband Arthur, Sara Clime and husband Craig, Emily Kempker and husband Darrin, Tori Snitker and husband Shannon, Shay Abel and wife Victoria, and Kaci Jones and husband Gavin; 12 great-grandchildren, Arthur Lee Hance and wife Jordan, Mallory Siegler and husband Logan, Catelyne Hayes and husband Colin, Cade Snitker, Connor Clime, Edie Kempker, T.J. Clime, Kylea Kempker, Lydia Jones, Chloe Jones, Landri Abel, and Harrison Abel; and six great-great-grandchildren, Brooks Hance, Blair Siegler, Raylee Hance, Harlyn Siegler, Aspyn Siegler, and Charlee Hance; and many extended family members and friends.
Visitation was held Friday, Sept. 10, at the First Baptist Church, Belle, from 5-8 p.m.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m., at the First Baptist Church, Belle, with Robert Trigo officiating. Interment followed in the Liberty Cemetery.
Memorials suggested to Maries R-II Scholarship in Doris Abel’s name.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
