Doris Laird
Jerseyville | Save
Doris Elaine (Frost) Laird, a lifelong resident of Jersey County and beloved member of her community, peacefully went home to be with her Lord on July 2, 2026, just two weeks shy of her 101st birthday, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Jersey County, Illinois on July 16, 1925, and was the only child born to the late Elmer Newton and Nellie Anne (Kruse) Frost.
Doris graduated from Jersey Community High School and later earned her Education Degree from Western Illinois University. She began her teaching career in a one room country schoolhouse, where she shared her love of learning with her young students. Throughout her life, Doris was known for her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside her husband, Paul, she owned and operated Laird's Laundromat, Garage and Car Wash in Jerseyville for many years. She also enjoyed working at Famous-Barr Co. in Alton, where she made many lasting friendships.
Above all, Doris treasured her role as a wife, homemaker, mother and caregiver. She was an exceptional cook, and found joy in gardening and had a gift for creating beautiful things through embroidery, crocheting, quilting and sewing.
Her greatest passion however, was caring for the animals on the family farm, especially the many cats she loved throughout her life. It could truly be said that she never met a cat who didn't adore her.
A woman of deep faith, Doris was a devoted member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Jerseyville for more than 90 years. Her steadfast faith, gentle spirit, kindness and quiet strength were an inspiration to all who knew her.
One of the greatest joys of Doris's life was celebrating her 100th birthday on July 16, 2025. Her remarkable century of life was a testament to God's grace, and she leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, hard work and love.
She married Paul E. Laird on November 26, 1955 in Corinth, Mississippi, and their marriage spanned nearly 58 years, before his death on September 30, 2013.
Doris is lovingly survived by her three daughters and their spouses, Pamela and Ronald Gowin of Jerseyville, Janye Blivin of Durham, North Carolina, and Jill Cash and James Sheridan of Thompson's Station, Tennessee; Seven Grandchildren, Nannette, Holly, Christopher, Millicent, Matthew, Kaitlin and Carsen; as well as six great grandchildren.
Doris was laid to rest alongside her husband Paul at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, in a private family ceremony on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be given to
Bethel Baptist Church, Riverbend Humane Society, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois in care of Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, who was entrusted with the arrangements.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is now reunited with her family and resting peacefully in the presence of her Lord and Saviour.
Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
