Doris Deems Buford was born August 18, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska to Carlton Smith and Elsie Margaret Spoercke Deems.  She was the youngest of four children who preceded her in death, Mary Lucille, Carlton (Todd) Smith and Kenneth Arthur.

Doris attended Benson High School in Omaha and was a member of the National Honor Society graduating in 1948.  Doris made many life-long friends during her years at Benson and enjoyed keeping in contact at their monthly ladies’ luncheon.

After graduation, Doris worked as a private secretary until she was awarded a scholarship to attend Clarkson College of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska.  She earned her (RN), Registered Nursing Certificate.  During her nursing career at Clarkson Hospital she worked as a Scrub Nurse, Night Supervisor, and  Week-End Supervisor of the entire hospital.  Although she left nursing as a profession, she continued her nursing skills caring for her family and friends.

On November 7, 1954,  Doris married the love of her life, JohnJ Rosser Buford.  They were introduced by a friend whose son was a member of the Boy Scout troop where John was an assistant leader.  When John proposed to Doris, her first response was “I’ll have to ask my parents”.  Of course, her parents happily gave their permission and they were married at Benson Presbyterian Church.  John and Doris were blessed with two children, Mary Louise born on October 25, 1955 and W. Craig born June 19, 1957.

Doris’ life was filled with love for her immediate and extended family and she also enjoyed being a volunteer for many different civic organizations, some of which included:  The Omaha Handicap Swim Program, Camp Fire Girls troop leader, Boy Scout merit badge counselor, Camp Harriet Harding and Camp Eagle camp nurse, and Northwest High School PTA Honors Banquet coordinator earning her the award of Life Membership in the PTA.

Doris, her sister and mother also belonged to “The Busy Doers” women’s association, a club of the Douglas County Extension Service and the North American Benefit Women’s Association in which she held offices.

Doris was a devout Christian and long-time member of Florence Presbyterian Church.  She served her church as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, and officer of women’s association.  She lived her faith and showed love and kindness to everyone, always upbeat and positive.  She opened her heart and home to others making sure everyone had a home for the holidays and offering her home to them.

After the death of John in 1983, Doris started a new career as a secretary for her children’s law office.  She worked at the Buford Law Office until retiring at the age of 88.

Doris loved to travel,  but  due to John’s early departure they did not get to all the places they had hoped.  Doris did travel with Mary Louise to many states as well as to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Hawaii but her favorite  vacations were right here in Nebraska at Mahoney State Park.  Every Memorial Day weekend she rented a cabin for the entire family to spend time together.  She loved time spent sharing a meal, visiting, and playing her favorite games, Phase 10 and dominoes.

Holidays and the celebration of family birthdays were so important to Doris, she remembered not only her immediate family’s special days but all her nieces and nephews.  Everyone felt welcome and special in Doris’ home.

In 1992, Doris became a grandmother with the birth of her grandson, Alexander Craig.  She was often heard saying, Alex’s arrival gave her a new lease on life.  She established a tradition of Grandma Day every Tuesday and treasured this time spent with him.  They had many great adventures, so she was not too happy when school interrupted this time together.   She became his greatest fan at all his school, sport, and Boy Scout activities.

Doris touched countless lives through nursing, scouting, volunteering and service to God.  Her kindness, compassion, generosity and quick wit were a gift to all!   She will be remembered fondly.

No one who met her would soon forget Doris Mae Deems Buford.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years: JohnJ Buford; parents: Carlton & Elsie Deems; siblings: Mary L. Downie, Carlton Todd Deems, Kenneth Deems; Survived by son: W. Craig (Sherri) Buford; daughter: Mary Louise (James) Wilson; grandson: Alex (Emma) Buford; God-daughter: Karen (Gary) Riddle; cousin: Gwendolyn A. Elsasser; nephews & nieces: Wayne (Eilene) Downie, Paul (Patricia) Downie, Doug (Faith) Deems, Diana Daum; many great-nephews & great-nieces.

Memorials to the charity of your choice.