Doris Wade

Celebrating The Wonderful Life of Doris Wade

Doris Rapley Wade was born February 29, 1932 in Laurens County, South Carolina. Born the fourth of 9 children to the late Horace C. Rapley, Sr. and Othella McGee Rapley, she is the last to be received in glory.

Doris was educated at Ware Shoals Elementary and High Schools where she excelled.  In fact, she was sent to high school early and even as one of the youngest children at school she was still a leader.  She learned to read before her older siblings and secretly taught her brother to read.  She was proud of this accomplishment and was often reminded by her parents just how special she was. Doris was undoubtedly special having been born February 29th, a leap year, her true birthday was only celebrated every 4 years.  Instead of being angry Doris was extremely proud to be born on this special date.  It gave her the confidence and bold demeanor that we all grew to love and respect.

Early in life, Doris met the late John Allen Wade, Sr. and was united in matrimony. It was then that she left South Carolina and moved to Philadelphia to start a family.  Doris loved Philadelphia and was well known in her community as someone who could be trusted in true confidence. In the community, she was fondly referred to as Mrs. Doris and she was known to sit outside wearing her signature white sunglasses and talked to everyone that walked by. She always offered a listening ear and had your back in every way. She gave you advice in a very sophisticated voice that was full of confidence and wisdom. When you needed someone to relate to, she told true stories that were filled with action and humor.  Doris had a unique way of complimenting you that would instantly boost your ego. It was especially pleasant if you were lucky enough to hear her say “girl you got a shape on you”. But no matter what she was complimenting you on she would often finish by saying “I’ve never seen anything like it”, which would solidify her statement.  She also had a way of letting you know when you crossed her and she didn't hesitate to remind you that she was born Doris Rapley and that the Rapley’s are “nothing to be messed with”.  Those that knew her well would hear that statement very often.

Later in life, Doris gave her life to Christ and had a close relationship with the Lord and was proud to have overcome the struggles of her past.  Doris was a pillar in the family and very well respected by all. She loved her family and was very boastful of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. If you were a friend to Doris she treated you like family and tried to help everyone she came in contact with in some way.  Doris was loved immensely and will be remembered for her feisty spirit, kindness and most importantly, the love she expressed for her family and her life itself.

On October 20, 2020, Doris Wade peacefully received her wings and reunited with her parents and 8 siblings Booker T. Rapley, Ida Mae Young, Carrie Webb, Horace Rapley, Jr, Robert Rapley, William Henry Rapley, Asa Rapley, and Gaynell Pyles.  Doris was preceded in death by her husband John Allen Wade, Sr., 1 son John Allen Wade, Jr., 2 grandsons Derrick Wade Jr. and Michael Wade Jr.  Doris leaves to mourn her children 4 sons and their spouses; Michael (Beverly); Ricardo (Dottie) (Bernadette); Derrick (Jeanette); Samuel (Charmaine); 1 daughter, Debra (Michael); 23 grandchildren; Robert, John; Shemeka, Jamillah, Dominique, Dionte; Timmell, Troy, Leroy, Ayesha; Chanel,  Dekoya, Ashley, Rickia; Bianca, Joi;  Samuel, Darnell, Samira, Samir, Michah, Zahir, Zakiyya; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews; 2 sisters in laws,  Angela Rapley, Cleveland, OH and Alice Rapley of Abbeville, SC and 1 godson, Felix Conley.

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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