Doris Ann (Gooding) Harlow, 74, Hallsville, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on April 23, 2023 at University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, Missouri with family by her side.
Funeral Services were held 2:30 PM Sunday April 30, 2023 at the Red Top Church in Hallsville with burial to follow in the Red Top Church Cemetery.
Visitations will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Red Top Church and Sunday from 1:30 until the time of the service at the church.
Born April 4, 1949, at Audrain County Hospital, Mexico, Missouri to Ezra Wesley and Mary (Cook) Gooding, the second of five children. She was raised on the family farm, in a little white frame house, one mile North of Hallsville, homesteaded from a land grant by her Great Grandfather, Miles Gooding. This farm was always dear to her. Doris attended Hallsville Elementary Schools and graduated from Hallsville High School in 1967. She had a close and continuous relationship with all her classmates throughout her life. After graduation she worked at State Farm Insurance, in Columbia, and after 10 years, stopped public work, changing direction in life to do her willing, being creative using her talents in her own business, caring for family, staying connected with the people of Hallsville, supporting the Town of Hallsville and the Hallsville Community. She had a large impact and played a big part in Hallsville and Hallsville Community. She will be greatly missed.
She married Charles R. Harlow, January 15, 1971 in Miami, Oklahoma. The newlyweds began living in a trailer, on the south portion of the family farm, and two years later moved to the center of town, near the four-way intersection in Hallsville. Two wonderful children, Elizabeth, and Wesley, later came into the world. Her support was tremendous for Elizabeth and Wesley, all thru their youth and High School education, particularly with their participation in sports of basketball and softball at Hallsville Schools. Norm Stewart Era Basketball at Brewer Field House and Hearns Arena was a genuine pleasure. She enjoyed cheering on the Missouri Tigers. She was a fan of country music and in particular, Alan Jackson. The radio played constantly in the kitchen.
Doris was an incredible person. She was very caring, loving, and always doing extra for people. Always on the go and busy, in a flurry of activity.
Always willing to take time to talk and visit with friends or anyone she met. Doris never knew a stranger. She could talk to anyone. Always giving and thinking of and helping others before doing duties for herself.
She was personal care taker of her mother, and two brothers. She would say many times “I haven’t had time to do anything for myself today”.
Being a member since early childhood, Doris was very active in Red Top Christian Church, regularly in attendance. A church attended by family member for years. She Taught Sunday School, and served as Financial Secretary, Chairman of Building and Grounds, and Custodial Service. Always on the spot to provide food and deserts for church gatherings. She loved Red Top Church and the congregation. Doris and Charles are Sextons for the Red Top Cemetery. Doris served on the Cemetery Board of Directors, Secretary of the Board of Directors, and Trustee of the Red Top Cemetery Trust. Cemetery upkeep, care and maintenance were her top priority for keeping the cemetery in top notch condition.
Doris was a salesman and Entrapreneur, developing her own business in downtown Hallsville, Harlow Ceramics. She was exceptionally creative and professional in ceramic craft. She was owner/operator of the shop for 50 years, receiving the Hallsville Chamber of Commerce Business Award and Citizen of the Year award. She made many central Missouri friendships through the ceramic shop. She was extremely proud of these friendships.
Doris was involved and proud of Hallsville and the Hallsville Community. She served two terms on the Hallsville City Council. Was one of the founding members of the Hallsville Historical Society and remained a pillar in the organization throughout her life. Member of Board of Directors, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chairman. Proud moments were the restoration of the Morgenthaler Home and construction of the Mercantile Building.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Ezra and Mary (Cook) Gooding, three brothers, David, Dale and Wayne, Grandson: Ethan Charles Craig, Nephew: Michael David Gooding, Grandparents: James D. Gooding and wives, Mary Elizabeth Roberts, Mary W. Ormsby and Lola Van Stratten, Great Grandparents: Miles and Catherine (Reed) Gooding.
Doris is survived by her husband of 52 years, Charles R. Harlow, of Hallsville, children: Elizabeth Ann (Harlow) (Chad) Craig of Columbia, Wesley Bishop Harlow of Hallsville. Sister: Hazel (Gooding) (Scott) Keel and son Matthew Keel of Columbia, Sister-In-Law: Nancy (Spindler) Gooding of Lincoln, Illinois, Niece: Melissa (Gooding) (Karl) Braun and children Kevin, Erika, and Victor of Chesterton Indiana, Nephew: Eric (Janet) Gooding and children Georgia and Eason of Centralia, Niece: Amy (Gooding) (Kevin) Hempen and children Claire, Josie and Beau of Hallsville, Aunt: Pat Cook and children Rick, Allan, and Sherri (Cook) Winn all of Harrisburg.
Doris took control, was a fantastic leader, and decisive in making good decisions. This was her nature. Companion, wife, Mother of Elizabeth, and Wesley. Loving, Caring, and always doing the extra. May she rest in peace.
Memorial donations are suggested to Red Top Cemetery Fund or Red Top Church Building and Grounds or Hallsville Historical Society and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.
Online condolences may be left at www.fentonkendrickfh.com
