Doris Pearce Best, 94, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully at her home in the early morning of September 20, 2025. She was born on February 10, 1931, in Wayne County, N.C., to the late Leroy Pearce and Bessie Mae Ellis Pearce.

Doris lived a long and beautiful life, marked by kindness, devotion, and love. As the second oldest of fourteen children, she took on a nurturing role early, helping raise her younger siblings and becoming like a mother to many of them. She was a woman of deep love, quiet strength, and a heart of pure gold.

Later, she poured that same devotion into raising her own family.

To know Doris was to experience her warmth. She had a true heart of gold — never quick to judge, never one to gossip, and always ready to listen or lend a helping hand. Her quiet strength, patience, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She also shared her love in the kitchen, where her chicken and dumplings and collard greens became beloved favorites among her family and church friends, meals that brought comfort and togetherness to all who gathered at her table.

For over 56 years, Doris was a faithful member of Southview Baptist Church. Her strong faith guided her through life’s joys and sorrows, shaping the way she lived and loved. She also found happiness in the simple pleasures — tending her flowers, sewing, and crossword puzzles.

Above all, Doris cherished her family. She is survived by her three sons, Charles R. Best Jr., James Michael Best (Cynthia), and Timothy Best (Angela); her three daughters, Brenda Kay Best, Nancy Murdock (Dennis), and Beverly Boger (Robert). She was a proud grandmother to sixteen grandchildren, Michael Lackey (Kelly), Wayne Campbell Jr. (Brittany), James Campbell (Kristen), Aaron Best (Katie), Joel Best (Shelby), Whitney Burdick (Josiah), Austin Best, Cassie Osborne (Josh), Justin Murdock, Matthew Murdock, Jonathan Boger, Christopher Boger (Nicole), Warren Boger (Laura), Lauren Straus (Alex), Eric Best (Sasha), and Alex Best. She was also blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Ray Best Sr.; her daughter, Doris Marie Phillips; and one grandchild, Nicholas Best.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Southview Baptist Church, 625 Wallace Springs Road, Statesville, NC 28677. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon with burial at Oakwood Cemetery.

Doris Pearce Best will be remembered for her loving heart, her steadfast faith, and the way she gave of herself so freely. Her legacy of love will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

Special thanks to all the doctors at Statesville Cardiovascular, Statesville Family Practice and PHC Pulmonary.

Donations in memory of Doris may be made to Southview Baptist Church by clicking here.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Best family.