Doris J. Anthony

Doris Jean Anthony, known to family as “Jeannie” and to her students as “Miss A,” passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 9, 2018, surrounded by her family.  She was born on May 6, 1948, the eldest child of the late Jerry Randolph Anthony and Ernestine Spinner Anthony, both of Buena Vista, VA.

At an early age Doris accepted Christ and became a member of First Baptist Church, Buena Vista, where she sang in the Sunbeam Choir.

She graduated from Parry McClure High School in 1966 and received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Hampton Institute (Hampton University) in 1970.  While attending Hampton Institute she was named Band Sweetheart, 1969-1970.  In 1973, she became a proud “Devastating Diva” of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter.  She always represented her sisterhood in a respectful, loyal, worthy manner…often embarrassing her daughter with her enthusiastic Delta greetings in public!

Doris began her career as a teacher in Buena Vista City Public Schools until relocating to Alexandria, VA in 1979, where she resumed her life’s work as an educator, teaching third grade at Laurel Ridge Elementary School in nearby Fairfax, VA.  She soon earned the affectionate title of “Miss A” which took on a whole new meaning! Through her teaching tenure, Doris was a member of the National Education Association, Fairfax Education Association, and Virginia Education Association, attending many country-wide conferences to improve the education system for all youth.

Despite a well deserved retirement in 2004, Doris went on to substitute teach in the Northern Virginia area. She also embraced mentoring, tutoring and encouraging every child outside the classroom to read, study and attend college.

While residing in Alexandria, VA, Doris united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Alexandria, VA, serving in the Nurse Ministry, in the Missionary Ministry, and on the Hospitality Committee.  She also enjoyed singing with the Gospeliers, The Voices of Ebenezer and she was a founding member of the Women’s Ecumenical Choir.  Dedicated to God and her church, Doris took pride in assisting her branch of Zion in any way she could, even from her sick bed, until her declining health prevented her.

She embraced life!  Her hobbies included cooking, arts and crafts, traveling to Tidewater to see her beloved Hampton Institute Pirates play, watching her Dallas Cowboys, playing spades, and hosting and attending family gatherings.  She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted family, her daughter, Chantelle Aliya Anthony, her sister, Carolyn M. Terry, her niece, Randi E. Anthony, her Godchildren, her extended Tidewater family including the Hampton Institute Class of 1970, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and students.

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8