Mrs. Doris Ely Thigpen, 87, of Swainsboro, Georgia passed away December 12 after a brief illness. Graveside services will be held December 13 at 3:00pm at Eastbrook Cemetery in Swainsboro, Ga with Reverend Gregory Ely officiating. Mrs. Thigpen was born May 27, 1933 in Soperton, Georgia to the late Henry L. Ely and Lillie M. Johnson. Mrs. Thigpen was a member of the Swainsboro Church of God for many years. Mrs. Doris, as she was usually called, helped to raise many children in her lifetime at the daycare she kept in her home. Her greatest joy in life were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Thigpen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oswald Thigpen; sister Ruby Cannady; brothers H.B. Ely, Barnett Ely and Jimmy Ely. Survivors include her daughters Raquel (Mark) Allen of Twin City and LaGail (Ben) Avery of Orianna; sons, Kendall (Alisa) Thigpen and Franz ( Geanna) Thigpen of Swainsboro, Michael (Melba) Thigpen of Dublin; grandchildren Justin (Crystal) Allen and Ridge (Cheyenne) Allen of Twin City, Miranda (Jonathan) Edenfield of Swainsboro, Margo (Donnie) Robertson of Kite, Celeste (AJ) Moody of Brunswick, Sean (Lisa) Taylor of Lawrenceville, Scott Taylor of Cartersville, Tammy Coleman, Sheila Phillips and Dr. Dan Avery of Dublin, David Avery of Orianna; twenty four great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; brothers James Ely and Leland Ely and several nieces and nephews. The grandchildren will serve as pall bearers. The family would like to thank Dr. James Ray for the care and compassion he has shown to our mother for many years. In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorials be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL. 33607.

Tomlinson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.