In Memory of Susan Doran

Susan Sheets Doran of Barnesville, Georgia—beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and daughter—went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Feb. 11, at age 73. She is survived by her husband, Douglas J. Doran, and their son, Gregory Doran; brothers Glenn Sheets, Ron Sheets and Kim Sheets (Dena); numerous siblings-in-law, nieces and nephews; and uncountable “adopted family” members.

Born in Louisiana on March 9, 1948, to the late Whilman and Molly Mae Sheets, Susan was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Dan Sheets.

After attending LSU, she began her 32-year career as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. She loved her job and was even selected as the “face of Delta” for an advertising campaign in the 1980s. Though she ended up settling in Georgia, she never abandoned her ragin’ cajun roots or her love for her LSU Tigers—Geaux Tigers!

Susan and Doug met at First Baptist Atlanta, where Doug was a cameraman who kept focusing his shots on a certain blonde during Sunday services. They bonded over their love of travel, airplanes and Jesus. They were married for almost 37 years, with their only son, Gregory, joining the family in 1996.

To know Susan was to hear about her love for Jesus. She was willing for Him to use her wherever and whenever He would choose—and use her, He did. Her openness in sharing how the Lord saw her through even the hardest times in life was an encouragement to others. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and she didn’t mind when others chose to speak theirs—though she’d be sure to let you know if she disagreed with you.

Susan never met a stranger. Her smile and laugh drew others to her. She could talk to anyone, and she always made each person feel special. Through the college ministry at First Baptist Church of Barnesville, “Mama Susan” touched the lives of many in the generations after her own. She adopted people into her heart as quickly as she adopted animals that needed a home. If she said she was praying for you, then she truly was. She loved well.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at First Baptist Church of Barnesville, with Rev. Garth Forster and Rev. Jason Teal officiating. Family will greet guests and loved ones an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Life Radio or the First Baptist Church of Barnesville building fund.