Doris Buckles Tarver

Doris Evelyn Buckles Tarver

Doris Evelyn Buckles Tarver, age 82, passed away peacefully Monday, February 23, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing she is now resting in the presence of her Lord and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

Born on November 7, 1943, in Natchez, Mississippi, Doris was a lifelong woman of faith, love, and devotion. She lived in Ferriday, Louisiana, and later in Clinton, Louisiana, where she built a life centered around her family and her unwavering commitment to Christ. Her family and her Lord were the most important things in her life, and she reflected that devotion in all she did.

Doris was married for 61 wonderful years to her beloved husband, Chester "Sonny" Leroy Tarver. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, faith, and partnership. She was a proud and loving mother to her two daughters, Alicia Tarver Blackledge and husband Bart Blackledge, and Paige Tarver Pace and husband James Pace. Her greatest joy was her growing family. She was a devoted grandmother to five granddaughters: Lindsay Blackledge Leblanc and husband Lee Leblanc; Kelly Blackledge Ramagos and husband David Ramagos; Julia Pace Banks and husband Christian Banks; Olivia Brooke Pace; and Sarah Jean Blackledge. Her heart overflowed with love for her great-grandchildren: Gracyn Leblanc, Amelia Leblanc, Collins Leblanc, Mia Ramagos, Reid Ramagos, Tyler Ramagos, Colette Banks, Peyton Ashley, and Jayden Roy. Each of them brought her immeasurable pride and happiness. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved Yorkie, Lucy Anna. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Charles "Junior" Tarver and wife Jeannie; sisters-in-law Brenda Tarver, Martha Matthews and husband Quentin, Dewanna Mason and husband Frank, Norma Buckles, and Barbara Buckles; special family friends Brenda Wallace, Linda Townsend and Bobbie Tucker; along with numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Lydia Buckles; her seven siblings, Eula Allen, John Earl Buckles, Aubrey Buckles, Donald Buckles, James Buckles, Alice Fairbanks, and Bennie Buckles, who are surely welcoming their little sister into God's kingdom; her in-laws, Albert and Geneva Tarver; her special brother-in-law, Wayne Tarver; and her grandson, Corey Blackledge.

Doris found great joy in working in her yard, making crafts, and most of all, spending time with her family. Later in life, she and Sonny especially enjoyed attending LSU women's basketball and LSU men's baseball games with family and friends, creating many treasured memories together. She was a devoted Christian who loved singing in church and serving her Lord faithfully. Her life was a reflection of grace, kindness, strength, and steadfast faith.

Funeral services for Doris will be held at Feliciana Baptist, Clinton, LA on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12noon with Bro. Tony Hand and Bro. Bo Swilley officiating. Interment will follow to Greenlawn Memorial Park in Natchez, MS, under the direction of Young's Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00am until service time at 12noon. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Pallbearers will be David Ford, Ben Buckles, Frank Mason, Eddie Tarver, John Tarver, and Jeff Pope.

Honorary pallbearers will be Spencer Bishop, Stan Blouin, and Billy Hopkins.

In addition to flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her honor.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Gregory Fautheree and the amazing nurses and doctors in the Neuro ICU at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge for their compassionate care and support.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.