Mother Doris Bothuel

Mother Doris Marie Bothuel, age 92 years, went on to glory to receive the jewels for her crown on Sunday, July 28, 2019. She was born June 9, 1927 in Austin, Texas, along with her twin sister, Dorothy Varie, to William Sr. and Livonia Cunningham.

As Doris grew, she formed a relationship with the Lord and accepted him at a young age. The family recognized her ability to lead and reverenced her as such. She soon became the unofficial “oldest” of the family, as she guided them in the right direction. She persevered and graduated from high school and furthered her education to become a cosmetologist, attending the infamous Madame C.J. Walker Academy in Texas.


Doris became a part of the Great Migration as her family moved from Austin, Texas to Saginaw, Michigan, to seek a better life. She found her footing in Saginaw, as she became a landlord to help families as they migrated to the city for work. She was an inspiration to others as she became an entrepreneur, working door-to-door as a “hairdresser” to support her family. As she did this, she became well known in Saginaw for her one-of-a-kind press, waves and pin curls. Her customers were loyal and loved her professionalism.

Doris ministered to many ladies in Saginaw and the surrounding areas, all while beautifying their crowns. She was a talented cosmetologist for over sixty years and worked in numerous beauty shops around the city. In addition to studying cosmetology, Doris furthered her Christian education by graduating from American Theological Baptist Seminary with her oldest daughter, Faye.

Throughout life, she was not only a phenomenal, God-fearing woman, missionary, mother and wife, she was a spirit-filled inspiration to others. She spread God’s Word through prayer, works, feeding the needy and singing praises unto the Lord.

As a singer, Doris saw and experienced many things as she traveled with her singing group, the Echoes of Zion. She met many of the great legends and served them in her home, including Albertina Walker.

Doris gave her life to serving the Lord and caring for her family. She raised grandchildren and was a mother to the motherless, a friend to the friendless and a trusted confidant. Her greatest loves were her daughters, Cornelia Faye, Diane and Deborah. Their well-being and salvation were her priority.

The gift of serving was one from the Lord, in which she did with her beautiful smile and positive outlook to all she encountered. She served with many organizations inside and outside the church: Women’s Aglow, Ministers’ Wives and Widows, Gospel Chorus, Prayer Chains, Prison Ministry, Hospital Ministry and others. She was a such a blessing that the Lord blessed her with a helpmate, and on December 25, 1985, she married her “baby”, Reverend E.W. Bothuel, and together they fulfilled the works of the Lord.

Unto this union additions were made to her family, which included a daughter, Ernestine Walker and a son, Marvin Bothuel. She was also blessed with six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A statuesque woman of class and grace with humbleness and a giving spirit is how she will be remembered. Though she known for her unique style of dress and always looking nice and sharp, she was really known for being spirit-filled. Mother Doris Bothuel was truly a virtuous woman and that legacy lives on through her children.

Awaiting her arrival in heaven were her husband, Pastor E.W. Bothuel; daughter, Diane Gissendanner; twin sister, Dorothy Varie and sister, Annie Lee; brothers, Bill, Leon and Phillip Cunningham.

She leaves her wise counsel, precious memories and lovely spirit with two daughters, Cornelia Faye Presley, Deborah (Vaughn) Murray; grandchildren, Quangi, Vaughn Jr., Shanika, Andre Jr., JaVon, Jason, Nicole, Christopher, Ernest; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; nieces, Annie Dugan, Gail, Dee, Michelle; nephew, Douglas Cunningham; sister-in-law, Van Cunningham; many other relatives and friends.

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