DORIS SMITH THOMPSON
Jan. 29, 1934-Oct. 18, 2016
Doris Smith Thompson, 82, formerly of Goldsboro, peacefully departed this life Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at 12:12 p.m. at her home in Mitchellville, Md.
Doris, born Jan. 29, 1934, in Goldsboro, N.C., was the oldest daughter and second of seven children born to the late Earl Smith Sr. and Mildred Best Smith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death, and joins in eternity, her husband, Needham Roosevelt Thompson; son, Kelvin LaRoyce Thompson; sister, Ruby Smith Wilkerson; and brother, Marion D. Smith.
Doris leaves to cherish her loving and precious memories two sisters, Melba Smith Uzzell and Shirley Smith Suggs both of Goldsboro; two brothers, Clarence Smith of Goldsboro and Earl (Lillian) Smith Jr. of Lanham, Md.; three sisters-in-law, Esther Thompson of Virginia Beach, Va., Mary Thompson of Irvington, N.J., and Edna (Harry Lee) Faison of Faison, N.C.; two brothers-in-law, Nathan (Annie) Thompson of Faison, N.C., and Aaron (Lois) Thompson of Washington, D.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Doris attended Central High School in Goldsboro, N.C., and graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1951.
With her love for education and enthusiasm to become a teacher, she matriculated at Fayetteville State Teachers' College (now Fayetteville State University), where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1955. While attending Fayetteville State, she joined Delta Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in 1953. She remained a faithful and active member of the sorority until her death.
Upon graduation, Doris obtained her first teaching position in the Wayne County School System, where she remained for four years.
During this time, she was joined in holy matrimony to Needham Roosevelt "Bud" Thompson. God blessed this union for many years with unity, love and a son, Kelvin LaRoyce Thompson.
In September 1959, she joined the Washington, D.C., public school system, and retired in June 1995.
While working in the D.C. school system, Doris furthered her education at George Washington University, where she received two advanced degrees, a Master of Arts in administration and supervision and a Master of Arts in guidance and counseling.
As a teacher and counselor, Doris had been the recipient of many awards, recognitions and citations. She devoted many years of her life for the improvement of education for children, exhibiting her many attributes, which centered around initiative, perseverance and faith.
Doris also found time to work with many professional and service organizations to include the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (life member), National Council of Negro Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Delta Alpha, Epsilon Phi Omega and Iota Gamma Omega chapters -- golden and life member), the National Sorority of Phi Beta Kappa Inc. (Beta Chapter), National Education Association, National Association of Black School Educators, District of Columbia Association of Black School Educators (charter member), School Counselors Association, First Baptist Church, Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church and the Newbridge Civic and Lake Arbor community associations.
A wake will be held Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1065 Tommy's Road, Goldsboro, N.C.
The celebration of life and legacy will be held Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1065 Tommy's Road, Goldsboro, N.C. Burial will be in Old Mill Cemetery, followed by a repast in the church fellowship hall.
The family will receive friends during other times at 1848 Tommy's Road, Goldsboro, N.C.
Haskins Funeral Home of Goldsboro is assisting the family.
www.haskinsfh.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 21, 2016 9:58 AM