Jean Thomas Doorley

March 2, 1915 - May 1, 2011
Jean Thomas Doorley


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Jean Thomas Doorley of Wilmington died Sunday May 1, 2011, at her home.

Jean was born March 2, 1915, in Farmville, NC, the daughter of the late Luther and Elizbeth Thomas. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Paul Doorley.

Surviving are a brother, Al Thomas and wife, Ruth of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and a sister-in-law, Belle Thomas Eutsey of Zellwood, Florida. She is survived by special niece, Mary Lentz and special nephew, Bob Boutwell and other nieces and nephews.

Jean taught social studies at New Hanover High School for many years and was very active in the NCAE and the North Carolina Retired School Personnel serving on the local and state Legislative Committees for many years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 6, 2011, at the Jumpin’ Run Club House. Pastor Patricia Cox from Grace UMC will officiate. Reception to follow. Private inurnment in Oleander Memorial Gardens,

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or a charity of choice.

Caregivers who were there until the end and provided for her comfort so she could remain at home were Willie Shuford and Sterling Carter. May you always know how much that meant to Jean.

A very special thank you to Dr. Dean H. Karras, who attended to her many medical needs. With an expression of sincere gratitude to Dr. Jon Liguori, who for 12 plus years was literally her ‘ANGEL ON EARTH’ who kept her going with hope and encouragement until the very end. Thank YOU

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910)791.9099

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403; (910)-791-9099


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  • May 04, 2011
    Tim Bass says:
    In 1992, Mrs. Doorley sold me her house on North 27th Street. During my years there, I came to appreciate what a wonderfully green thumb she possessed. She was a sweet and thoughtful person, and I was honored to have known her--and to have lived in the house she clearly loved. My condolences go out to her family.

  • May 08, 2011
    Allen Sheneman says:
    A classmate shared the news of Ms. Doorley's passing. I sat in her class 37 years ago and I have never forgotten her. She was a wonderful teacher and I still value the passion she instilled in me for learning. Thank you and God bless.

  • May 06, 2011
    Kay Warner says:
    Jean was a true "Southern Lady" with gentle charm and a firm command of what she thought was right and should be. We served together on the Wilmington Chamber Education Committee and her knowledge always led us in the right direction. She loved her family and Mary you were a treasure to her. Rest in peace.

  • May 05, 2011
    Jackie Bissonnette says:
    My thoughts and prayers are with Jean's family. I first met Jean when we became neighbors and friends at Jumpin' Run. Going out to dinner together (neither of us liked to cook); checking out the Christmas lights in the city around the holidays; sharing our love for reading and the beautiful landscape of the city in bloom. She regaled many of us about her teaching days and travels around the world during retirement. She will truly be missed.

  • May 09, 2011
    Paul Paro says:
    A true Southern Lady and lood friend. Jean will be missed, but we will see her again!!