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
811 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314
08/21/2018
11:00am - 12:00pm
My sincere condolences to the family of Doris “Jeannie” Anthony, who I watched grow up as an intelligent and loving person who
could light up a room. She was first a friend, homegirl (her two aunts lived on each side of me in Lexington, Va.) and then in later years, a fellow Hamptonian and Soror. Jeannie will surely be missed. I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
I was so saddened to learn that Doris has left us. Anyone who met her felt her love and joyous personality. I worked with Doris for many years at Laurel Ridge. Her heart was in her teaching because every student was special to her and they knew it. Miss A was fun to be around and made each day special with her quick smile and friendly manner! She left a lasting imprint on the students she taught. Her ascension to God’s heavenly choir is a well deserved reward for her. I am pleased to have know Doris as a teacher and a colleague and a friend. Joan Ulvog, Assistant Principal at Laurel Ridge from 1988-2001
So sorry for your loss. I was so a me.ber of class of 1966 at PMHS. Doris was one of a kind. She was lived by everyone who knew her. God bless you all at this difficult time.
There are not enough words to express how I feel about Jeannie and the Anthony family. When you are raised in Lexington and Buena Vista your family is extended beyond blood lines-everyone is part of your family! Heaven is rejoicing and she is singing her solo with all of the Angels! Prayers of Comfort for the Family! God Is Our All and All ! Love Shirley Payne Ford
I remember Doris as a wonderful, caring person who always had a smile for everyone she came into contact with. She could light up a room. Sending prayers and sympathy to her family. Midge Humphries Craun, Class of 1966, Parry McClure High School
Thoughts are with Doris’s family and friends. She obviously led a full life and touched many people in her chosen career. I graduated with Doris from PMHS in Buena Vista. She was always so jovial and a very kind person. Her dedication to her profession and beleif are wonderful examples for all.
Doris, you will forever be remembered by your friends at Parry McClure HS. You were bright, funny and such a kind person. Rest In Peace sweet lady. Prayers to the family of Doris “Jeannie” Anthony. You all had to be so blessed by her presence.
Thoughts are with Doris’s friends snd family. I graduated from PMHS with Doris and she was always a happy and smiling person. She obviously taught and touched the lives of many both in her chosen career and through her church and voulnteer work. She lived her life in service and her rewardnow will be great. Prayers for all who shared her life. Barbara Claytor Bailey
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.