Doris Turner Caldwell

Mrs. Doris Turner Caldwell went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Born at Cindy, Kentucky, on December 9, 1929. She was the daughter of the late, Isaac and Minnie Young Turner. Doris was a resident of Hyden, Kentucky, before spending the final 23 years of her life in London, Kentucky. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, David Caldwell. Doris dedicated twenty eight and a half years to shaping young minds as a teacher in the Leslie County school system. She began her career in a one-room schoolhouse at Brimdardner School (named after the Brimdardner Lumber Company) at Middlefork. The majority of her career was spent teaching at Hyden Elementary, a profession she deeply loved. Her commitment to education was unmatched; while raising four children and working full-time, she successfully earned her master's degree from Cumberland College. As an educator, Doris was remembered for her unique gift of encouragement. Her former students fondly recall her uplifting teaching style: whenever a student struggled with spelling words, instead of drawing attention to what they missed, she would smile an say, "Just think you got 8 right out of 20! " instead of you got 12 wrong.

Doris's greatest love and ultimate treasure in life was her family. She beautifully displayed the true heart of a mother, consistently putting the needs of her children and grandchildren far ahead of her own. Her hospitality was legendary; she loved a full house and treasured having company and large family gatherings at her home. Her doors were always open to anyone in need of a place to stay. She found great joy in the simple peace of working in her yard. A woman of deep faith, Doris accepted the Lord into her life and was baptized at the Hyden Church of God by Pastor Wayne Bowling. 

Doris was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her husband, David Caldwell; her cherished son, Michael Caldwell; two granddaughters whom she loved dearly, Terena Jay Caldwell and Renae Sue Baker; a great-granddaughter, Tia Faye; nine brothers, Ray, Omer, Kermit, Marcus, Homer, Roy, Lawrence, Raleigh, and John S. Turner; and two sisters, Oma Jones and an infant sister, Madeline Turner. 

She leaves behind a rich legacy and is survived by three loving children: Stevie Caldwell of Richmond, Kentucky; Rita Baker and her husband, Vincent, of London, Kentucky; and Lavonna Caldwell of Hyden, Kentucky. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Bailey of Cincinnati, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Victoria Caldwell, Jonathon Caldwell, Stevie David Caldwell, Christi (Matthew) Isaacs, Sabrina (John) Thompson, Rebecca Baker, Melinda Hoskins, and William Madden; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; Connor, Cameron, Casey, Corey, Trevor, Tessa, Jayden, Jaylin, Zander, Trinity, Arihana, Traven, Christopher, Matthew, Haley, Emily, Courtney, Kenzie, Daniel, Latasha, Kayleigh, Vincent, Mason, Isaiah, John Tyler, Elijah, Lynsey and Kimber and eleven great-great-grandchildren, Taelynn, Tia, Zander, Ivy, Lucas, Myla, Ryley, Skylar, Jase, Layla and Maislee. Her unwavering love, generous spirit and encouraging heart will be deeply missed by her family, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

The family of Doris will receive family and friends at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 22nd with visitation starting at 11:00 A.M. until the hour of the funeral at 2:00 P.M. with Robert Turner officiating. Burial will follow at the Caldwell Family Cemetery London, Kentucky with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Doris loved bright things and we would love for you to wear your colorful clothing in her honor.