Dorris Brothers

Dorris Jean Brothers

Dorris Jean Jordan was born in Frog Jump, Tennessee, on February 24, 1945, to Doris and Emma Jordan. She grew up on a farm with her Mami and Papa, her brother Johnny, and her sister Lavetta, and carried many fond and challenging memories of those years with her throughout her life.

Among her favorite stories from growing up in Tennessee were her memories of attending the same school as Elvis Presley. She remembered watching him play basketball and loved telling the story of the time she was nearly run over by Elvis himself while he was riding his motorcycle.

Dorris met the love of her life, Robert “Tom” Brothers, at her brother Johnny’s wedding. Tom was the brother of Johnny’s bride, Nancy, and what began with that family connection became a marriage that would span more than 57 years. Dorris and Tom married in 1969 and built a life centered around family, devotion, and love.

They spent part of their early married life along California’s beautiful Monterey coast. Dorris loved the beach and especially adored the breathtaking views of Bixby Creek Bridge along Big Sur. While living in California, Dorris and Tom welcomed their two children, Nicole and Michael, both born in Carmel. Her children were her miracles; Dorris had once been told she would never be able to have children. She also welcomed Tom’s children from a previous marriage into her heart and family as her own. To Dorris, family was never defined simply by biology—it was defined by love.

When Nicole and Michael were young, the family returned to Tom’s hometown of Dugway, Utah, where Dorris put down roots and became a beloved part of the community.

Dorris worked for the federal government in procurement for over 19 years, but the work she treasured most was found at home, surrounded by the people she loved.

She had a gift for making things beautiful. She loved gardening, and her yard was filled with gorgeous irises, lilies, and, most especially, roses. She loved the beach, sewing, and crocheting, and she absolutely loved Christmas. Her Christmas tree brought her tremendous joy. She crocheted angels to hang from its branches and delighted in watching QVC to discover new decorations to add to her collection.

More than anything, Dorris loved being a mother and grandmother.

Grandma’s house was always open. There was food waiting, seemingly a million toys to play with, and room for everyone. Around her home and kitchen, generations learned lessons that went far beyond cooking, sewing, and crocheting. Dorris taught kindness, grace, generosity, patience, and love.

She knew her grandchildren deeply. She took her youngest grandson to school and, in true Dorris fashion, soon knew all of his classmates too—not merely their names, but their personalities, their stories, and even their fears. That was simply who she was. She noticed people.

Dorris possessed an uncanny ability to sense when someone was struggling. She would reach out, offer encouragement, listen, or simply remind them that someone cared. She was endlessly positive and optimistic, always looking for the good in people and in the world around her.

That warmth extended far beyond her family. Dorris loved to talk to people, and people loved talking to Dorris. She became a bright light within her community. Whether it was at the Commissary, the Shoppette, or simply around town, she touched countless lives through everyday conversations, acts of kindness, and the genuine interest she took in others.

Dorris is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert “Tom” Brothers; her sister, Lavetta; her children, Nicole (Nicholas) Dudzinski, Michael (Charity Griego), Shane (Stacy), Jeff (Sherrie), Kimberly (Richard) Ruckle, and Jason (Robin) Rawls; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and her beloved nieces and nephews in Tennessee, along with many extended family members and friends who will dearly miss her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Mami and Papa; her parents, Doris and Emma Jordan; and her brother, Johnny Jordan.

Her greatest legacy can be found in the family she loved so fiercely, the grandchildren who always knew Grandma’s door was open, the lessons she quietly passed along, and the many people who were made to feel a little more loved because Dorris noticed them.

Dorris lived her life looking for the good in the world.

And because of her, there was more good in it.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Street, Tooele, Utah.