Doris Elaine Burdine was born September 17, 1929 to the union of Edward and Blanche Richardson in Chicago, Illinois.  On a chance meeting, Doris met her husband Samuel and the two were married 54 years.  As a young woman, she confessed her belief in Christ and became a member of St. Mark’s Presbyterian upon moving to Cleveland.

Doris received her High School diploma from Dysable High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago.  She took courses at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.  Doris began her career in Cleveland as a secretary at the Church of the Covenant in University Circle.  Doris worked 14 years in the Guidance Department at Glenville High School as an Educational Advisor.  She then completed her employment with the Cleveland Board of Education as a Parent Liaison for the Title I program in Compensatory Education.  She retired from her working career in December 1989.

Doris led a full, active life.  She served in many civic and social organizations.  She loved gardening, cooking, sewing and baking.  The annual cookie exchange, that she started and hosted every Christmas holiday, lasted 17 years.  She loved to host and attend parties.  She also had a desire for traveling but her loyalty to her obligations made her unable to visit the many exciting places she had dreamed.  She belonged to a bridge club, however, her skills were no adept so she perfected her dancing skills instead.  She was an avid and insatiable reader and writer.  Other activities she was dedicated to were the Red Hat Society, Associate Member of Tennessee State Alumni Association, Hunger Program at St. Mark’s Presbyterian, Devoted Consitious National Alumni Association.  She was a faithful and loyal supporter of the Jr. Divots Golf Club.  Doris was a gentle, caring, sweet and generous woman to all she met and knew.  She will be greatly missed.