Doris Maydean Wimberly's Obituary
Doris Maydean Crews Wimberly, 81, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, at Methodist Hospice Residence after a short battle with ALS.
Born on April 15, 1944, in Steele, Missouri, Doris was the sixth of eight children of Vernon and Mable Crews. She graduated from Steele High School in 1962 and went on to pursue her calling in nursing. In 1970, she graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis and began her career in pediatrics at St. Joseph Hospital. She later continued at St. Francis Hospital, where she served until 1981. That year, she moved to the NICU at Methodist Central Hospital, dedicating herself to children and families until her retirement in 2006. When the now Methodist University Hospital closed its NICU, Doris was among the devoted nurses who helped establish the NICU at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Over the course of her career, she received numerous nursing awards in recognition of her commitment to excellence in patient care.
In 1975, Doris married Doug Wimberly, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage until his passing in 2006.
Beyond her nursing career, Doris nurtured a lifelong love of gardening. She became a Master Gardener in 2013 and gave generously of her time and talents, often far exceeding the volunteer requirements. She devoted hundreds of hours each year to the Memphis Area Master Gardeners, Lichterman Nature Center PPC, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens. She also worked with fellow volunteers to adopt and lovingly maintain several cradle graves at Elmwood Cemetery. She was a proud member of the Memphis Horticultural Society, where she served on the board and as membership chair, she also belonged to the Mid-South Hydrangea and Hostas Society. Doris cherished her involvement with the TOGG (Through Our Garden Gates), and throughout her years as a Master Gardener, she contributed to countless additional projects and programs that enriched the community. Her many gardening and horticultural accomplishments reflected her deep love of nature.
Doris enjoyed cooking, crafts, and gatherings with friends and neighbors. Along with her sister Mary, she hosted countless celebrations for a cherished group of friends known as the "Lovely Ladies."
Doris is survived by her sister, Linda Cecil of Steele, Missouri; her stepson, Brian Wimberly and his sons, Austin and Matthew of Franklin, Tennessee; and 15 beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Mabel Crews; her husband, Doug Wimberly; her brothers Adron, David D., Ray, Wayne, and Ronnie Crews, and her sister Mary Crews.
The family is deeply grateful to the caring staff and friends at Opus Assisted Living, as well as her many special friends who supported and cared for Doris during the final months of her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens of Memphis, Tennessee, in honor of Doris's lifelong passion for gardening and community service.
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