Loretta Doles

Loretta Doles, a beloved member of her community and family, passed away on April 25, 2025, at the Christian Care Center in Bolivar, Tennessee. She was born on August 14, 1943, in Hardeman County, where she lived most of her life, creating lasting memories and nurturing relationships that would span generations.

Loretta's professional journey was marked by a remarkable commitment and dedication. For over thirty years, she worked at Wal-Mart, retiring in management, where her technical acumen was evident as she set up the bar code systems on their computers. She also traveled for the company, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. Furthermore, Loretta brought her compassionate spirit to the healthcare field when she worked as a physical therapist at the hospital in Selmer, touching the lives of many with her care and skill.

Loretta was proud to be a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she found joy and fellowship with others who shared her faith. She embraced her role as a two-time cancer survivor with resilience, proving to be a source of inspiration to those around her. Loretta’s artistic talents flourished over the years; she found solace and happiness in drawing and painting, even contributing her skills by painting the badge on all the local sheriff's cars and big trucks. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she cherished music, particularly gospel and country genres, which she loved to sing.

Family was at the center of Loretta's world. She is survived by her loving daughter, Laurie Naylor and her husband Larry, from Medon; her sons, Michael Ray Doles of Hornsby, and Andy Hamburg and his wife Misty, of Toone. Loretta’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, Crystal Jones and Charlie, Jessica Wray, Katie and Jose Magallanes, Sara Hamburg, and Shelby Hamburg, as well as her 16 great-grandchildren, who were the joys of her life. Loretta is also survived by her sisters Barbara McMullen of Blairsville, GA, Noel Whited of West Palm Beach, FL, Christina Dupuy of Gainesville FL, and DeAnna Richtarcik of Sebastian, FL

Loretta now joins her dearly departed family, including her husband, Edward Ray Doles, whom she married (for the second time) in 1999, her parents, John Daniel Sheehy, Sr., Lucille Wright Sheehy and Dagmar Sheehy, her brothers, John Daniel Sheehy, Jr. and Dennis Sheehy, and her grandson-in-law, James Wray. Their memory will forever be cherished within the hearts of those that remain.

As we reflect on Loretta’s life, we honor a woman who loved deeply, cared fiercely, and contributed countless moments of joy and solace to her family and community. Her warmth, creativity, and unwavering spirit will be profoundly missed, but her legacy will endure in the love she instilled in all who had the privilege to know her.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 2pm in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1pm.

Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to Alice & Carl Kirkland Cancer Center in Jackson (www.wth.org/services/kirkland-cancer-center), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).