Jeanette Dorris

Jeanette Dorris (née Cheek), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on October 28, 2025. Born in Jamaica, New York, to Carl and Alvina Cheek, Jeanette was the youngest of seven siblings and the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Jeanette’s life was marked by love—for her family, her faith, and all creatures great and small. A devoted dog lover and accomplished realtor, she began her career in upstate New York before relocating with her family to Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1976. There, she and her husband Harry Robinson raised their three children and built a life centered around faith, family, and community. Jeanette sang joyfully in her church choir for nearly three decades while continuing her successful real estate career.

After retiring, Jeanette moved to Alpharetta, Georgia, where she joined Johns Creek Baptist Church and continued her passion for music and ministry. It was there she met and married the love of her life, Billy Wayne Dorris. Together, they settled in Cumming, Georgia, and enjoyed their golden years surrounded by grandchildren, church fellowship, and the love of family until Bill’s passing in 2021.

Jeanette’s unwavering devotion to the Lord was evident in every chapter of her life. She now rests in the eternal peace of God’s kingdom, where she “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:11)

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Alvina Cheek; her siblings Carl Jr, Dick, Randell, Grace, Ottie, and Norman Arthur (who died as an infant); her first husband, Harry Robinson; and her late husband Bill Dorris.

Jeanette is survived by her children: Jeanine Arnold (Gordon), David Robinson, and Amy Scism (Jack); her grandchildren: Alison Boyan Kelly (Paul), Jeffrey Boyan, Ryan Scism (Rayne), Margaret Randell Scism (Jamie), and Jessica Robinson; and her great-grandchildren: Mary Claire Kelly, Baker Kelly, and Lillian Scism. She also has numerous nieces and nephews who absolutely loved their “Aunt Jeanette.”

Her loving marriage to Bill brought stepdaughters Lisa Gargaro (John) and Julie Wheeler (Alan); step grandchildren, Tyler Wheeler (Samantha), Cole Wheeler (Hannah), Sydney Wheeler and Nikki Wheeler; and great step grandchildren, Max Wheeler, Origin Wheeler, Wyatt and Jake Wheeler and a baby girl arriving in December.

Jeanette’s legacy of faith, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Viewing hours will be Thursday, November 13 from 5-8pm at Ingram Funeral Home (210 Ingram Avenue, Cumming, Georgia).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, at Johns Creek Baptist Church (6910 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Johns Creek, Georgia) at 11am with Pastor David White officiating.

Interment will follow at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens (1390 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, Georgia).

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Humane Society of Forsyth County (forsythpets.com).