Naomi Doris (Smith) Burden, age 90, of Springfield passed away on Monday, February 18th, 2019 at her home.

Doris was born on August 30th, 1928 in Killduff, Iowa to parents, Eben Claris and Flossie Smith. It was during her teenage years that Doris was saved and accepted Christ. Her youth leader was instrumental in challenging her to pursue three lifelong spiritual disciplines: prayer, Bible study, and sharing the Gospel. Following graduation from Ottumwa High School she attended Hannibal-LaGrange College in Hannibal, Missouri, and ultimately received her degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Doris achieved a Master of Science degree from Emporia State Teachers College and a second from Southwest Missouri State University. Doris loved the classroom but more importantly, children with special needs. She retired from education in the Springfield Public School District after teaching many years at Robberson Elementary, and served as a substitute teacher in Springfield schools.

Following her retirement her career began. Noting the rising population of international students attending college in southwest Missouri, Doris started teaching “English as a Second Language” to internationals. Since most students were here on education visas, Doris built endearing relationships for the single opportunity of sharing the Gospel. Countless international students accepted Christ. Her mission journeys included four trips to universities in East Asia, working with indigenous people of Alaska, two trips to Australia, several mission trips to Mexico, and her final mission journey to Guatemala.

She loved her family, music, cooking, sewing, camping, traveling, and gardening.

The Biblical mission and vision of Macedonia Baptist was compelling to Doris and in November of 1998, she made Macedonia her church home. She prayed for and supported the staff and ministries of Macedonia, served annually in their summer Vacation Bible School, mission projects, the WMU, Sunday School, delivered holiday food baskets, and even sang in the choir the day before she passed away.

Her legacy includes her two adopted sons, Ted Burden and wife, Jo, of Branson; Tim Burden of Ozark; one daughter, Mary Fasse and husband Carroll, and their family; four wonderful grandchildren – Jessica, Caleb, Lindsey, and Bryce; and three precious great-grandchildren – Quin, Maylen, and Dylan. She is survived by her younger brother, Floyd Smith and wife, Shirley, of North English, Iowa. Doris was preceded in death by her sister, Selma, and three brothers, Leroy, Melvin, and Truman Smith.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon – 2 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Macedonia Baptist Church located at 3110 W. Sunshine, Springfield, Missouri. A “Celebration of Life” service will follow immediately in the worship center. Doris will be interred at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Springfield. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a memorial gift to the Macedonia Baptist Church “Mission Fund” may be given in honor of the Jesus she loved and served.