Doris Mae Castleberry

Doris Mae Castleberry, 78, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Meridian, Mississippi following a long illness.

Born August 6, 1948, to Hagan and Norma Winstead, Doris grew up in rural Mississippi alongside her twin sister, Fay. From an early age, she possessed the intelligence, determination and remarkable competence that would define her life.

Doris dedicated 25 years to the Meridian public school system, advancing through intelligence, hard work and steadfast dependability to become administrative assistant to the superintendent. Exceptionally capable and organized, she remembered every appointment, kept every record and had a gift for making difficult work look effortless.

Doris became a mother for the first time at age 25. After marrying Preston Castleberry in 1982, she began building the large family she had always wanted and answered her calling to become a foster parent. Together, she and Preston opened their home to 50 foster children over more than two decades-from newborn babies only days old to teenagers. Some needed a safe place for only one night; others stayed for months or years. Doris also personally helped several children find permanent adoptive homes.

Her family ultimately grew to include eight children, but the reach of her mothering extended far beyond them. Her home was filled with bottles and schoolbooks, meals and baths, appointments and bedtime books and prayers. She noticed the children the world could easily overlook and devoted much of her life to giving them safety, structure and a sense of belonging.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Doris loved her church, music and singing. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed playing the piano whenever the demands of her growing family allowed. Her faith, love, and acceptance expanded throughout her lifetime.

Doris will be remembered for her generous heart, remarkable competence, resilience, humor and lifelong willingness to care for those who needed her. Her legacy lives on through her family and through the many lives changed because she opened her door.

Doris is survived by her children, Theresa Luke; Samantha Neal (Rozena) Matthew Castleberry (Chelsey); Chris Castleberry; Aaron Castleberry; and Gage Castleberry; her grandchildren, Courtney Wilson, Kennedy Walker (Jordan), Cooper Luke, William Luke, Maria Luke, Chandler Castleberry, Ian Castleberry and Brynn Castleberry; her sister, Fay Fisher (Bill); her brother, Zachary Winstead (Sue); her friend Micheal Clark, and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family who knew her as a mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hagan and Norma Winstead; her husband, Preston Castleberry; her daughter Cathy Castleberry, her son Charlie Castleberry, and her sister, Mary Earle Laird.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am in the chapel with Brother Dale Moore officiating. A private family burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.