Doris Fillyau, family matriarch
Doris Fillyau of Georgetown, affectionately known as "Mom Doris," was born in Lewes Jan. 1, 1935, to the late Cora Waples Waters and Purlis Cottman. She was raised by her grandparents, Gentsie Lee Cottman and George Cottman. She departed this life while surrounded by her family, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare following a brief illness. She was 85 years old.
She attended William C. Jason High School. Throughout the years she was employed at Beebe Hospital where she was a nurse's aide, First State Community Action, and the Georgetown CHEER Center. Doris was a member of the First Millsboro Seventh Day Adventist Church where she was baptized. She spent a lot of time studying her Bible and Sabbath School lessons. She enjoyed listening to audio sermons, listening to spirituals, watching westerns and looking out of the window to see everyone's coming and goings.
Doris loved her family. She was a true matriarch. She watched over and advocated for the entire family. She looked forward to visits and phone calls from her children, grandchildren and church family. She was known for her quick wit and beautiful smile. She was a pillar in her community at the Georgetown Apartments where she resided since 1981. She was lovingly known to everyone as "Mom Doris." Her door was always open. She enjoyed helping the less fortunate. Nobody was a stranger to her. She showed God's unconditional love to everyone she met. Doris was loved and respected by many.
In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by her husband Bill Henry Fillyau Sr.; sister Ann Waples and special friend Christina Green. She leaves to cherish fond memories six children Bill Fillyau (Norma) of Selbyville, Roma Fillyau of Georgetown, Clayton Fillyau (Samette) of Millsboro, Angela Muhammad-Bey (Abdul) of Seaford, Purlis Fillyau (Lowkeysha) of Lincoln and Neena Handy (Terry)of Seaford; one brother, Bishop Ralph Harmon of Magnolia; grandchildren Tanya Fillyau, April Fillyau, Keyonia Cook, Ebany Fillyau, Timothy Morris, Isaiah Fillyau, Devonn Harmon, Dionne Harmon, Clayton Ricketts, Tomika Long-King, Khadijah Fillyau, Terron Handy, Terry Handy Jr. and Rosalyn Ricketts; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and two very special friends, Eunice Oliver and Jane Harris.
She will be sorely missed. Her legacy will live on within us.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. Interment will follow at the Millsboro Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery, 30007 Cordrey Road, Millsboro. Funeral arrangements conducted by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Electronic condolences via www.watsonfh.com
