Doris Jean Dickinson was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 2, 1933 to Thomas and Doris Dickinson. She obtained a BA in History from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She married Ezra McElmurry and had three children.

Doris was a public relations director for the United Foundation of Detroit, and for Kelly Services. Later she opened Dobbin House Antiques in Clarkston.

Doris died on November 29, 2013. Her obituary describes her as "passionate about history, books, antiques and her beloved dogs".