Doris Riddle James Fleenor, 92, left this world peacefully on May 10, 2018 at Brookdale in Bristol, Va.
Doris was born in Abingdon, Va. on October 13, 1925, the youngest child of Worley Benham James and Annie Ruby Riddle James. She was a member of William King High School’s first marching band and after graduating, went on to Mary Frye’s secretarial school. She worked at Kingsport Utilities and then transferred to Appalachian Power Co. in Abingdon, where she reconnected with a former schoolmate, James Edward “Jimmy” Fleenor, and they married on a snowy November 25, 1950.
After marriage, Doris stayed at home to nurture and raise her two girls. She returned to work as personnel secretary for Westinghouse Copper Wire Division. Her memories at Westinghouse were some of her most treasured. Doris helped organize the Random Arts Club, was in Booklover’s Club, enjoyed playing bridge until recent years and was a member of the Black’s Fort Chapter of the D.A.R.
The Abingdon Baptist Church was an integral part of Doris’ life from her birth. Her father, Worley and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. O.L. James, were charter members of the church. Growing up beside the church, she participated in every facet of church life from childhood until up to the time when physical frailty prevented her from being there. She especially loved Sinking Spring Cemetery, behind her house, where she had fond memories of playing as a child.
Doris had a special passion for travel, for wildflowers and for learning. She loved her country, church, family and Gods beautiful world.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her brothers, Thurman LeGran and Worley; sisters, Sue Catherine James, Geraldine Mills Gaines and Ann Ruby Griffin.
Survivors include her daughters, Lynda Jane Anderson, of Bristol, Va., and Mary Annaleah Fleenor and husband E. Russell Humphreys of Abingdon, Va.; grandchildren, Joanna K. Anderson, of Abingdon, and James K. Anderson and wife Candice of Bristol, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to the staff of Brookdale Bristol for their care of Doris during her time there. God sent Doris two angels to watch over her during these last months, Barbara Gibson and Kelly Cassidy. Their dedication and loving care were invaluable to the family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, May 14, 2018 at Abingdon Baptist Church. A reception will follow the service in the church’s fellowship hall. A committal service will take place at 2:30 P.M. May 14, 2018 at Sinking Spring Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be sent to Abingdon Baptist Church, 361 W. Main, Abingdon, Va
FROST FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, ABINGDON, IS HONORED TO SERVE THE FLEENOR FAMILY.