Doris Jean Shields Raper

1933 - 2026

Doris Jean Shields Raper, 92, of Murphy, peacefully entered into her glorious heavenly home on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Murphy has lost a beloved and giving lady who has been a blessing to our community and is greatly loved by everyone who knew her.
Doris was born Nov. 26, 1933, to the late Edison Gay Hawkins and Edith Marie Harris Hawkins. She was a native resident of Cherokee County and received her teaching degree from Western Carolina University. She was a dedicated teacher for many years at Ranger Elementary School.
Following the passing of her husband of 26 years, David Eugene Shields in 1979, Doris assumed the ownership of Shields Realty, where she worked in a successful business until her marriage to Robert Raper.
Doris was a lady of strong faith and a member of Culberson Baptist Church. Doris' greatest joy came from the Lord Jesus Christ, and her greatest happiness came from her children and grandchildren. She was witty; being with her meant fun and laughter. Offering love, support and kindness to all she knew, she was always more interested in the wellbeing of others rather than herself.
For 92 wonderful years, Doris' life has been like a warm ray of sunshine and blessings to everyone around her. We will miss her deeply.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, David Eugene Shields; her second husband, Robert Raper; two sisters, Ailene Hawkins Smith and Martha Sue Hawkins Mitchell; and two brothers, James N. Hawkins and Charles Hawkins.
Forever holding Doris' memory in their hearts are her children, Markus David Shields and wife Patricia of Murphy, Sabrina Shields Mosteller and husband Bill of Waynesville, N.C., and Sandra Shields Wilcher and husband Andrew of Murphy; stepchildren, Mark Raper of Carrollton, Ohio, Robert Raper Jr. and wife Martha of Canton, Ohio, and Mary Peterson and husband Pete of Portage, Wis.; five grandchildren, four step grandchildren;, and nine great-grandchildren; special friends, the O.D. Scott Family, Jennifer Scott Phillips and husband Thomas Joe, Stephanie Scott James and husband Edwin; and two granddaughters; and also a multitude of dear friends who loved her dearly.
To honor Mother's wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family invites you to please privately celebrate Mrs. Doris Jean Raper's memory in your own ways. She will be with us in spirit. Thank you for understanding during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Raper's memory to Shady Grove Cemetery Fund, 198 Shady Grove Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
No services are planned.
Ivie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.