Doris “Mama” Rafferty

Doris “Mama” Rafferty, born June 25, 1923-died July 24, 2026 age 103, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a brief illness. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on a tobacco farm in Virginia without electricity or running water, Doris experienced firsthand the hardships of rural life and survived the Great Depression. Her ministry of feeding the hungry began on the farm feeding neighbors who had less, From humble beginnings, she built an extraordinary life through determination, hard work, unwavering faith, and complete trust in God.

At just 15 years old, Doris graduated from cosmetology school in Akron, Ohio. During World War II, she proudly served her country as a supervisor of gas mask production at Goodyear Aerospace. She later fulfilled her dream of owning her own business by establishing, managing, and working full-time at her beloved beauty salon, Chez Charme for more than 30 years.

Never one to shy away from hard work, Doris believed that with God’s help she could accomplish anything she set her mind and heart to. She built a home in Ohio with her own hands and, after retiring to Florida, spent many years refurbishing and maintaining homes alongside her brother.

Her greatest accomplishments, however, were not measured by buildings or businesses but by the countless lives she touched. Doris faithfully served at the homeless mission, preparing and serving meals while also feeding hungry souls with the love and hope of Jesus Christ. She continued this ministry until the mission closed during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was 97 years old.

Even then, her ministry did not end. At home, she lovingly hand-pieced quilts, crocheted afghans and dishcloths, and quietly began her own personal mission. She gave away countless handmade dishcloths, each accompanied by a small booklet offering encouragement and sharing the path of salvation through Jesus Christ. She never met a stranger. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome. No one—not family, friends, neighbors, repairmen, or delivery drivers—ever entered her home without being offered something to eat or drink. She hosted every holiday gathering and was, in the eyes of those who loved her, the finest cook and baker God ever made.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her four siblings; her stepson; her beloved husband; her son-in-law, Richard Woofter; and many cherished friends.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Sandy)Vineyard; her daughters, Linda Woofter and Sharon (Greg)Soulsby, stepson Gary (Cheree) Rafferty; her grandsons, Christopher (Charlotte) Woofter and Jonathan (Sarah)Woofter; her granddaughters, Jennifer (Dan) Beilman, Shannon (Nate) Handlin, and Dawn (Tom )DiCostanzo; her great-grandchildren, Hannah, Henry(Kenzie), Holden Woofter; Ethan Vineyard; and Worthy, William, Calvin, and Christian Beilman. She also leaves behind innumerable friends of every generation whose lives were forever enriched by her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. And her “best little dog in the world” Gigi.

To know Doris was to witness the love of Christ in action. The remarkable life she lived can only be explained by the strength she drew from the most important relationship in her life—her obedience, devotion, and love for God. Whether at work, at home, in church, or while meeting someone for the first time, she joyfully shared God’s goodness and His hand upon her life. Her family finds great comfort in knowing that she has heard the words of her Savior: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

She was our rock, our refuge, our teacher, our encourager, and the heart of our family. Her wisdom, humor, generosity, and unconditional love will be missed beyond words, yet we rejoice knowing she is finally home in Heaven.

Although Doris dearly loved flowers and all of God’s beautiful creation, she repeatedly told her family, “No flowers when I die, because a dead nose never smelled a rose.” In keeping with her wishes, memorial donations may be made to the ministries that reflected her lifelong passion for feeding both body and soul:

Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church 3140 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118 www.driveinchurch.net

or

Halifax Urban Ministries 1340 Wright Street Daytona Beach, FL 32117 www.halifaxurbanministries.org

While we rejoice that Doris is safely home with her Lord, the light of Christ that shone so brightly through her life, her limitless love for others, and her joyful sense of humor will be remembered and missed every day. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to all who loved her and brought such happiness to her remarkable life. We look forward to seeing her again someday as she always said “here, there or in the air”