Doris Jean Harrod

Doris Jean Peden Harrod, a lifelong resident of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at The Willows at Fritz Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where she had made her home for the past four and a half years. She was 87 years old. Visitation will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home in Frankfort, Kentucky, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. Funeral Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Amanda Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. Born on October 1, 1938, in Glasgow, Kentucky, Doris was the daughter of M.C. and Lou Ella Peden. She graduated from Glasgow High School in 1956 before attending Sullins Junior College in Bristol, Virginia. She later transferred to the University of Kentucky, where she pledged Kappa Delta Sorority and met the love of her life, Robert Thomas Harrod. The couple married in August 1959, and Doris earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Kentucky in 1960. Doris began her career as a history teacher at Woodford County High School and later taught at Franklin County High School for six years. She then devoted herself to raising her two daughters in Frankfort. As her daughters grew older, she remained active in education by serving as a substitute teacher for Franklin County Public Schools and working during several legislative sessions for the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. Doris enjoyed an active social life and treasured the many friendships she developed over the years. In her younger years, she was an avid golfer, playing weekly at the Frankfort Country Club, and she looked forward to monthly bridge games with friends. Later, she enjoyed Bunco and card games with her neighbors in the Tanglewood community. She was a devoted Kentucky Wildcats fan who faithfully cheered on both the basketball and football teams. Doris was also a member of the Franklin County Garden Club and treasured the monthly luncheons she shared with her close group of friends affectionately known as "The Golden Girls." Doris and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, creating cherished memories with those they loved. She also enjoyed shopping, socializing, and ending the day with a well-earned evening cocktail. Faith was an important part of Doris's life. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Frankfort Downtown, where she faithfully attended Sunday School and worship services until declining health prevented her from attending in person. She also served for many years on the church's soup kitchen committee. Her greatest joy was her family. She took great pride in supporting her husband and daughters throughout their professional endeavors and celebrated their accomplishments as if they were her own. She especially cherished her grandson, Lance Hixson, delighting in attending his T-ball and baseball games, school events, and later looking forward to his visits home from college. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, M.C. and Lou Ella Peden; her husband, Robert Thomas Harrod; her cherished daughter, Jean Thomas ("Jeannie") Harrod Hixson; and her sister, Maxie Peden Depp. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Harrod Cain; her sons-in-law, James Cain and Marshall Hixson; her grandson, Lance Hixson; and her nephews, Dane Depp and Peden Depp. Doris will be remembered for her gracious spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, enduring friendships, bold tenacity, and quiet faith. Serving as pallbearers will be Lance Hixson, Marshall Hixson, Peden Depp, Dane Depp, James Cain, and Mark Gay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Doris Jean Harrod

October 1, 1938 - July 16, 2026