Long-serving commissioned ABHMS home missionary dies in Michigan
VALLEY FORGE, PA (4/22/20)—Doris Mae Fell, commissioned American Baptist home missionary, died of natural causes in Troy, Mich., on April 11. She was 89.
Commissioned in 1956 by National Ministries, now known as American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Fell served as a home missionary for 37 years in Boston, Mass.; Dayton, Ohio; and Hamtramck, Mich. She directed the ministry at Friendship House in Hamtramck for 28 years. She also served the Hamtramck community on a number of boards of directors, including Hamtramck United Social Services, the Human Relations Commission, Group Health Plan of Southeast Michigan and Metro Health Foundation.
Fell held a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton. In 1957 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Gordon College, Mass. She attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, 1951-1953. She played in the band in high school, and, during college, Fell traveled with the Gordon Choraliers Trio, singing in churches throughout New England.
Born in 1930, Fell chose to follow Christ in baptism at the age of 13. In 1980, she joined First Baptist Church, Birmingham, Mich., where she served on a number of committees.
Survivors: None.
Services: Due to the current “stay-at-home” order, an online service using Zoom will be held by Pastor Scott Runyon of First Baptist Church, Birmingham, to honor Fell’s life at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Zoom memorial service link: https://ministrelife.zoom.us/j/6947344220.
Those without a computer or smartphone can connect using the call-in phone number 694-734-4220. When prompted, use Meeting ID: 694 734 4220.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
