Ms. Doris Bilton Szalay, age 96, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday morning July 26, 2026, at Lakeside Senior Care following a lengthy decline in health.
Ms. Doris was born May 18, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Edward Albert Bilton and the late Dorothy Elnora Armstong Bilton. In 1951 she earned her bachelor’s degree in music specializing in piano. She was the owner and operator of Gulfstream Associates Printing & Mailing. She was very active in ministries with Rogersville Baptist Church in Rogersville, Tennessee, and 1st Baptist Church in Lake Worth, Florida, as well as going on three mission trips with Billy Graham Ministries. She was active in the Chamber of Commerce in Rogersville, Tennessee, and when her children were young, she was PTA president. She found great joy through the years playing both piano and organ in church. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Dale Barnes, and a son-in-law, Deaker Sterling.
Ms. Doris leaves behind four children: Thomas Barnes and wife, Sally, of Richmond, Virginia, Barbara B. Jacobson and husband, Jay, of Broxton, Georgia, Cyndi B. Winstead of Indio, California, and Sharon B. Frost of Lake City, Florida; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, four great great-grandchildren; two brothers: Ted Bilton of Dover, Delaware, and Bromley Bilton and wife, Jane, of Lewisville, North Carolina; along with a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.
According to her wishes, Ms. Doris will be cremated. She will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Tio’s Table, located at 121 Ashley Street West, Douglas, Georgia 31533.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Ms. Doris’ family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Ms. Doris’ arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.