Doris Marie Swinson

Doris Marie (Edmondson, Brush) Swinson passed away peacefully in the morning on June 15, 2016 in Riverside, California. Doris was a beautiful person and brought much love to all who were blessed to know her.

Doris was born to the late Sam and Elizabeth Edmondson on October 20, 1935 in Ryan, Oklahoma. She was a loving sister to Tom, Joe, Bob, Margie, and Howard. The family moved from Oklahoma in the late 1930’s and established their home in Yucaipa, California. Growing up, Doris was active in the Baptist Church and professed her devotion to Jesus early in life. As a teenager she worked at Forest Home Christian Camp and had many stories to tell of her adventures there.

Doris married Gary D. Brush in 1955. They moved to 29 Palms, California in 1960, and later to Riverside, California, where they raised their four children, Mike, Dennis, Terry, and Kim. Doris worked as a telephone operator until 1957. After divorcing in the 1970’s, Doris continued her job at McDonald’s, where she was promoted to store manager, and became “Mom” to many of her employees. Subsequently, her children were all employed by the company as well. Doris was a devoted mother. She graciously shared her love with them and was always a pillar of strength for them.

Doris married Melvin L. Swinson in 1983 and gained a new son, Craig. They resided in Redlands, California, together for over 30 years. Doris and Mel loved to dance and traveled the country and world, taking many cruises and flights to foreign places. They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, New England, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and even Russia, to name just a few. Doris loved spending time in their mountain cabin in Running Springs, especially when they were snowed in. For years she took her morning walks through Redlands nearly every day.

Doris was an awesome grandmother to her seven grandchildren, Ryan, Josh, Ken, Scott, Haley, Garrett, and Jamie. She had a loving way of making each of them feel like the special person that they were to her. When great-grandchildren started arriving, she always smiled when they visited. It was a true blessing for her to meet each of them. In turn, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her endless joy.

Doris was a devoted daughter who took care of her parents, Sam and Elizabeth, and also mother-in-law Florence Brush, in their final years. She had many lifelong friends whom she remained in contact with throughout her life. She knew many people in Redlands, including the people that she would pass by on her daily walks, and the many people that they associated with.

Doris fought a brave and valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease for several years. In her final days, she was able to visit with many of her loved ones. We are at peace knowing that she is now at rest and no longer suffering.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Valley View Chapel Montecito Mortuary, 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, California. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in Doris’ name.