Doris Elaine (Koan) Wilkinson Harris

Doris Elaine (Koan) Wilkinson Harris June 18, 1937-November 17, 2022 Doris Elaine (Koan) Wilkinson Harris, age 85, passed away in her sleep on November 17, 2022 at home in Houghton Lake, MI. Doris, and her identical twin, Dorothy, were born in Owosso, MI on June 18, 1937 to George Harwood and Bercha Oveta (Goodhart) Koan. She grew up in Holly, MI where her father was a businessman and their family were active members of Holly Baptist Church. This is where Doris began her walk with the Lord which was a central part of her life. Doris graduated from Holly High School in 1954 at age 16. From there, she attended the University of Michigan and then the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit where she received her Nursing diploma and RN certification in 1958. She pursued a career in nursing in MI, CA and FL before attending Michigan State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Nursing in 1964. She relocated to DeBary, FL to be near her parents and aging grandfather while working in the emergency room in Orlando, FL. Around this time, she met and fell in love with Naval Officer, Lt. Billy B. Wilkinson and they married in Holly, MI on her birthday in 1966. Bill soon received an unaccompanied assignment overseas and Doris returned to school once again for her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Wayne State University. When Bill returned home, they lived in Milton, FL and welcomed their first son, Robert Aaron, in July of 1969. A year later, with Bill overseas again, their second son, David George, was born in September 1970. The Spring of 1971 brought Bill and Doris to Beaufort, SC and she began working for the SC Health Department. She was the District Director of Home Health Nursing and oversaw the state's public health nursing requirements for a five-county area in the lower corner of SC. Doris pursued her nursing career while Bill retired and stayed home with the boys. She worked for the state of SC for over 20 years before honoring a commitment to her twin sister, Dorothy, to retire as soon as they could and spend time traveling. Doris enjoyed her retirement traveling domestically and abroad including trips to Europe, Egypt, Israel, the Far East and numerous cruises. Following Bill's death in 2009, Doris remained in Beaufort, SC where she enjoyed her grandkids, church activities, playing cards, friends and continued travel. On November 12, 2016, she married long-time friend, Jack G. Harris in DeLand, FL. Doris and Jack enjoyed six years together and spent their time between MI and FL while also traveling all over to see family and friends. She was very happy and content during these years. Doris was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy B. Wilkinson, her parents George Harwood and Bercha Oveta (Goodhart) Koan, older brother George Weston Koan and older sisters Arlene Evelyn (Koan) Walter, Donnabell Elizabeth (Koan) French, and Helen Sarah (Koan) Clarkson. She is survived by her husband, Jack Gene Harris, of Houghton Lake, MI; twin sister Dorothy Ellen (Koan) Cairns of Spring Hill, TN; older brothers James "Jim" Harwood Koan of San Antonio, TX and Phillip Goodhart Koan (Gayle) of DeLand, FL; sons Robert Aaron Wilkinson and David George Wilkinson (Monica) both of Beaufort, SC and her three grandchildren Emily, Rachel and Samuel. A celebration of life service will take place January 7, 2023 in Beaufort, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Navigators, PO Box 6079 Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679. https://donations.navigators.org/s/ Dryer Funeral Home of Holly, MI is assisting the family. Please leave any memories you may have on the Tribute Wall and post any photos or videos you wish to share. https://www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.com/

Doris Elaine (Koan) Wilkinson Harris

July 18, 1937 - November 17, 2022