Doris Redding

Doris Anna Redding, 77, of Huntsville, MO, died Thursday, December 25, 2025, at her home. Doris was born August 11, 1948, in Huntsville, MO, the daughter of J.W. and Ruth (Rucker) Kitchen. She married Raymond Redding on April 25, 1970, in Huntsville, MO.
Doris was a graduate of Westran High School, Class of 1966. She later attended classes at MACC. Through God's guidance, Doris was given many opportunities as the first African American woman in Huntsville to hold several professional roles. In 1975, she was hired by George Harris and the Board of Directors at Farmers and Merchants Bank.
In 1987, she was appointed as a City Official of Huntsville, MO. She first served as City Treasurer under Mayor Myrtle Cairns and the City Council and was later appointed to the position of City Clerk and Office Manager.
In 1993, Doris was elected to serve on the Westran School District Board of Education. She was certified on the ballot and elected to four terms, serving a total of twelve years. During her time on the board, she also held the offices of Treasurer, Vice President, and President.
One of her most treasured memories was being selected as Mrs. Sorority Woman of the Year in Huntsville during the Randolph County Old Settlers festivities in 1991. She was a member for 30 years.
Her pastor, Rev. Charlie Wright Sr., licensed Doris in 2006 as the first female minister of the Second Missionary Baptist Church of Huntsville. She faithfully served the church for more than 17 years, reaching out in ministry to others. She was deeply grateful for all that God had blessed her with throughout her life.
Doris enjoyed traveling and shopping. She especially loved keeping up with her grandchildren's sports and education endeavors along with watching Mizzou basketball. She cherished time spent with her family and deeply loved her grandchildren.
Doris is survived by her husband, Raymond Redding of the home; son, Raymond (Brykeisha) Redding Jr. of Merriam, KS; daughter, Shanise Raelynn Redding of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Jalen Logan-Redding, Raymond Redding III, Cameron Redding, Jaxson Redding, and Zoey Redding; brothers, Tom (Linda) Kitchen of Moberly, MO, Donald (Toni) Kitchen of Houston, TX, Charles Kitchen (fiance'e Artrea Gross) of Huntsville, MO, and Steven Kitchen of Wichita, KS; sister, Barbara Robinson of Moberly, MO; brother-in-law, Clifford Redding of Moberly, MO; sisters-in-law, Sandra William of San Diego, CA, Sue (Harry) Williams of Indianapolis, IN, Joyce Redding of Columbia, MO, Patsy Redding of Moberly, MO ; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, John Estel Kitchen, Dr. James R. Kitchen, and Ronald Kitchen.
Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Patton Funeral Home in Huntsville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Second Baptist Church in Huntsville. Burial will follow at Huntsville City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church in Huntsville, MO.