Obituary of Doris Croom

Helen Doris Croom, 78, joined her Lord and Savior on May 8, 2011 at her home.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Marvin D. Croom, two children, Travis Anthony Croom and his wife Patricia and Timothy Day Croom and his wife Teresa. She also leaves behind two loving sisters, Grace McDougal and her husband Marvin and Lena Wagner along with nieces Paula, Pam, Vickie and Marsha. She leaves behind four grandchildren, Megan, Tyler, Kevin and Brian Croom and wife Amanda along with three great grandchildren, Brannigan, Haley and Aubrey.

Born in Duplin County, Doris was the daughter of the late Julia Kate Southerland and Johnnie Gordon Southerland and lived in Kinston until she married on June 20, 1952. She attended Kinston High School. She and Marvin moved to Savannah, Georgia in 1955. She was employed at Levy's Department Store in Savannah for several years while still maintaining the home at a time when not many mothers worked. She and Marvin lived there until 1970 when they moved their family to Cary, NC, to be closer to family.

Doris was lovingly known as "Dot" to her close friends, family and husband. She loved to read, garden, and cook and took great pleasure in bowling. She was a member of North Cary Baptist Church and belonged to two ladies groups, Women Serving Women and the Senior Shepherds Breakfast Club.

She will be missed for her smile, her loving and graceful acceptance of those around her. She was a doting wife who cared for Marvin until the day she was no longer healthy enough to do so.

Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon Tuesday in the Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mark Minervino officiating. A private entombment will follow. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to North Cary Baptist Church, 505 Reedy Creek Road, Cary, NC.

The family thanks all for their condolences and thoughts and a special thanks to Hospice of Wake County for their help and guidance during these final days.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Condolences may be made to the family at www.montlawn.com under "obituaries".