“Everyone around us was poor for we lived in a poor neighborhood, but we were all the poorer having no Dad. Women didn’t make much money. Mother may have been stern on us sometime, but we were rough lads and it took a strong hand to keep us in line. What with the poverty and struggle to keep us fed and clothed, a weaker women would have given us over to the county to raise, but Mom was strong and she made it through and kept us together.”
Doris began cleaning for the Haslem sisters, four unmarried spinsters. These women designed dress patterns and books that were mailed to customers all over the world. While working for them, they realized how smart Doris was and began having her help them with the business. By about 1940 she had her own office and was in charge of the mailing of books and brochures to customers and keeping all the records of business transactions. This job required Doris to put in long hours each day. Not only was Doris a loyal employee she was a good and caring friend to the Haslem sisters. As their health declined Doris helped out in what ever ways she could. After the business had closed and the last sister, Anna, was convalescing Doris would visit her almost daily.
Doris would work this job until she was 60 years old. Later she worked a few hours a week at a local nursing home. Work was a large part of Doris's life. She gave her best at whatever she did.
