Doris Gordon Johndrow Smith Durette was born April 22, 1936 in Norwich, Conn to Alice and Harold Johndrow. She attended high school at Norwich Free Academy, and married Richard W. Smith on October 31, 1953…. they were married for 21 years before divorcing. She then moved to Columbus, Ohio where she married Howard Durette. She lived in the Grove City area for over 30 years, before passing away on August 4, 2013 at the age of 77.

She worked for over 20 years at JC Penney in Columbus, and had many great friends and colleagues who she cherished, but none more so than her adopted “sister” Joyce Schoonover. She was a gregarious woman who enjoyed a good laugh and spending time with family and friends. She was a very generous and thoughtful person, and loved looking after her beloved cats later in life.
Preceding her in death were her parents, as well as her husband Howard. She is survived by her brothers, Harold “Bing” Johndrow, Jr. and Paul Johndrow and their families, as well as children (Richard Jr., Jaffey, Nancy, Alison and Dean) along with their spouses and families, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her by her caring nature, warm smile, and overall kindness to others.


Visitation will be held on Fri August 9 from 5-7pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123.

Mass will then be held on Sat August 10 at 10am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3730 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123.

After mass, there will be no burial ceremony since Doris has requested to have her body cremated, with her ashes to be scattered in the ocean at her beloved beach in Connecticut.