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Doris Pearce Mullen Raper

May 9, 1926 ~ February 12, 2013

Doris Pearce Mullen Raper, age 86, suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 12, 2013 at Hospice Home of Wake County, where she was cared for during her last days by a professional and loving staff. Born in Franklin County, North Carolina on May 9, 1926, she was the daughter of Ivey and Lillie Pearce. Her brothers, Donald Pearce and Frederick Pearce, as well as her husband Melvin Mullen, the father of her three sons, preceded her in death. Doris lived and worked on the family farm in Franklin County alongside her husband Melvin Mullen until his death in 1969. While raising her sons on the farm she also worked full-time at Westinghouse in Raleigh, from which she retired after 28 years. She was very active in Bunn Baptist Church in Bunn, NC, particularly in the church choir. After moving to Rocky Mount, NC in 1988 to be closer to her children, she joined Sunset Baptist Church, continuing her love of music in the choir. Later she moved her membership to First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount and was active in The Inspiration Singers Choir until her death. In 1989 she met and married Ashley Raper, who was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2057. Doris became a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and held many elected offices, including the office of post president and aide to the national president. She received many awards for her leadership, and enjoyed traveling with her husband as they represented their local VFW post at gatherings around the country. Doris is survived by her husband, Ashley Raper; her sisters: Mary Hinnant of Wendell and Dolores Chalk of Zebulon; her brother, Phil Pearce of Raleigh; and her sons: Jackie Mullen and wife Judy of Zebulon, Charles Mullen and wife Pam of Rocky Mount, and Craig Mullen of Rocky Mount. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Sarah Mullen and husband Matt Hedstrom of Charlottesville, VA, Eric Mullen and Cara Permar of Raleigh, Matthew Mullen and wife Elizabeth of Asheville, Berkley Mullen and wife Katherine of Gaston Lake, Dominee Ehrhardt and husband Dan of Raleigh, Kai Mullen and wife Amanda of Raleigh, Aaron Fly of Rocky Mount, and Garrett Fly of Rocky Mount; and her great-grandchildren: Luci, Simon, Ethan, Drew, Noah, Joshua, Hannah, and Rebecca. Services celebrating Doris's life will be at First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount on Saturday, February 16, 2013 with Rev. Jim Alley officiating. The family will receive friends at First Baptist at 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. The burial will be at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at 4454 N. Dortches Blvd. immediately following the memorial service. The family will receive friends other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295; Wake County Hospice Home, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607; and First Baptist Church, 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements are entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Saturday 2/16, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm Service First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Saturday 2/16, 2:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804

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  1. Fond memories of a strong woman who loved The Lord and her family. She is now singing with the Angels on high! Our sympathy to all of her much loved family members. Love, Kermit and Jo Ann Dowdy

  2. I want to express my sympathey to the family and let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you. Jerrie Rowe

  3. Gene and Carolyn Mullen send our love and condolences to the Family of Doris Mullen Raper. We will forever remember This Joyous soul and the way she could make every one smile and enjoy life, along with her. She will remain in our hearts,a shining Star.

  4. i’m sending this condolence to me–al raper or as she would say baby brother—doris is my sister in law the most beautiful woman physically and mentally i’ve ever met–a woman of deep religious beliefs–i had catagory 4 cancer–six months to live–she prayed and formed many prayer groups that prayed for me–saved my life–i will believe this forever–the doctors had given up–said my recovery was a miracle–and doris to honor you and your advice–i will cut down on my drinking and chasing women–you and your beauty will remain in my heart forever———-baby brother a


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