Obituary – Doris Louise Guilford
Doris Louise Guilford
ALTHA, FL – Doris Louise Guilford, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024, in Tallahassee.
Born on March 1, 1933, in Everettville, West Virginia, Louise’s journey through life was one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and unyielding independence. Growing up, Louise shared her childhood with her beloved siblings Elwood Crawford, Alice White, and Barbara Messich, alongside their mother and grandmother. These early years laid the foundation for the close-knit family bonds she cherished throughout her life.
As a mother of seven, Louise’s love knew no bounds. Her children, Tommie Crawford, Diana Alday, Elwood Sandridge, Doris Missiha, Lois Guilford, Tammie Peddie, and Earline Ross, were the light of her life. As amazing as she was as a mother, she was an even better grandmother to Melanie, Alicia, Neil, Jackie, Grayson, Matthew, Greg, Shawna, Nathan, Tommy, and Monica. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. As the years progressed and she became a great-grandmother, Nana, and GiGi to many, her home was always open, filled with warmth and the best chicken and dumplings you’d ever taste. Sleepovers with Nana were a highlight for her great-grandchildren, who looked forward to weekends filled with love, laughter, and late-night movie marathons! She was a true matriarch and will be missed by so many.
In 1965, Louise moved to Calhoun County with her husband, Rufus Guilford. It was then that Louise’s dedication to her faith was evident in her role as a Sunday school teacher at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Blountstown, where she instilled the values of kindness, compassion, and faith in countless children. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the church as she ran a daycare center, providing a safe and loving environment for many young lives. At the age of 35, she learned to drive and from then on, she drove with a vivacious energy that matched her vibrant personality! Riding along with her meant singing along (loudly) to her favorites: George Jones, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn.
As the years passed and her children moved on, Louise cherished her independence. Her adventurous spirit took her to various cities, including Aurora, Cleveland, Houston, Tampa, Tallahassee, Washington DC, Windermere, and Orlando before settling in with family in Altha to surround herself with love in her golden years.
Each new place was an opportunity for her to create lasting memories and forge new friendships. She had a special fondness for Disney World, where she looked best with her mouse ears on! She enjoyed many visits to the happiest place on Earth, delighting in the Country Bears and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and never missing the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue. Louise had a knack for bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She knocked sense into anyone who opened their eyes during evening prayers, ensuring that reverence was maintained. She loved NYC pizza and making fun of silly Hallmark movies. Afternoons spent watching Golden Girls, Blue Bloods, and indulging in good gossip about Days of our Lives were some of her favorite pastimes.
She was preceded in death by her son Tommie, brother Elwood, and grandson-in-law Richard, now they’re all reunited in Heaven. Soon, we’ll return Louise to her beloved West Virginia, where she will rest with her mother and grandmother.
Though she has left this world, her legacy of love, strength, and adventure will live on forever in our hearts. Louise, you will be deeply missed. Your life was a testament to the beauty of living fully, loving deeply, and cherishing every moment. Rest in peace, our beloved Nana, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Memorialization is by cremation. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown.
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