Doris Sumner Whitson

Doris Sumner Whitson, age 90, left this earth gently on Thursday evening, January 5, 2012, after being in
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA for more than two weeks.

Doris was born October 27, 1921, and was a lifelong resident of Kingsport. She was a 1940 graduate
of Dobyns-Bennett High School and was the first in her family to graduate from college. For 23
years she taught American History in Sullivan County schools, first at West View Elementary, and then
for her last five years, at Sullivan North High School, retiring in 1985. She saw teaching as a calling
and truly loved telling students the American story and awakening in them a love for their country.
During her years at West View Doris coached students for local and state oratorical contests, opening
up new horizons of learning for them. She was a an avid student of history, an astute observer of politics
and took her citizenship seriously. She often contributed letters to the editor of the local paper. She
was a member of the Sullivan County Republican Party. She strongly believed in the sanctity of
human life and was a volunteer with Abortion Alternatives.

Doris was a member of Heritage First Church of God where for many years she put her teaching skills
to work as an adult Sunday School teacher, as an advisor to the church Boy Scout troop, and as part of
the church's mission group, Women of the Church of God. She was a disciple of Jesus Christ and
sought to spread His love to those both near and far. She loved young people and often took time
from her retirement years to mentor and encourage them to pursue their dreams.

She was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-five years, Roy Whitson, her parents, Roy and
Josie Sumner, and five siblings, Paul Sumner, Kermit Sumner, J.R. Sumner, Edith Willis and Annie
Laurie Fisher.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Deborah Whitson Bunting and son-in-law Kenneth Bunting of Suffolk, VA, two grandchildren, Kenneth Bunting, Jr. of Norfolk, VA and Leilani Bunting of Ventura, CA. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who deeply loved her.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday January 10 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Services will follow at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Tilley officiating.

Entombment services will be at Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.