Doris Wellingtonb Obituary, Death – On November 5, 2023, the community of Bedford mourned the loss of a beloved resident, Doris Wellington Burks Stanley. A lifetime Bedford resident, she passed away peacefully at the Bedford County Nursing Home, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness, kindness, and unwavering love for everyone she ever met. While words can hardly capture the essence of her remarkable life, we attempt to honor her memory and the profound impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her. Doris was born on May 12, 1924, in the charming town of Sedalia, Virginia. She came into the world as the daughter of Frank Wellington Burks and Sally Ethel Wheat Burks, growing up in a close-knit family alongside five siblings: Mary, Hallie, Frances, Reed, and Bill. The bonds she formed within her family laid the foundation for her remarkable capacity to love and care for others.
Throughout her life, Doris was a pillar of strength and support for her loved ones. She shared a deep and loving connection with her husband, James A. “Buck” Stanley, who preceded her in death. Their love was a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment. Doris is survived by her cherished daughter, Julie Stanley, her son, Jim Stanley, and his wife, Teresa. Her love extended to her grandsons, Beckham Stanley and Davis Stanley, along with her great-grandson, Reed Stanley, and her step great-grandchildren, Naomi, Iris, and Toby. Her family meant the world to her, and she imbued them with the same values of selflessness, kindness, and unwavering love that defined her own life. Doris left behind a legacy that is nothing short of inspiring. She was a woman of countless talents, but her true gift was her capacity to love and care for those around her. Her kindness and gentleness were felt by all who had the privilege of crossing her path.
Doris’s love for Virginia was evident in her deep appreciation for the state’s culture, history, and its people. She instilled in her family a strong sense of connection to the community and the value of hard work. She was a steadfast believer in the power of politics to effect positive change, and her dedication to this cause was unwavering. Her love for genealogy and local history was a testament to her commitment to preserving the past for future generations. She volunteered with organizations such as the Bedford Genealogical Society and the Museum, tirelessly working to ensure that the stories and heritage of Bedford County were never forgotten. Doris was not only known for her love of the past but also for her culinary talents. Baked apples, oatmeal cookies, and okra pie were just a few of her delicious creations that brought joy to the lives of those she cared for. She understood the power of food to bring people together and used it as a way to share her love.
Her dedication to volunteering extended to her work with Main Street United Methodist Church and Bedford Memorial Hospital. She understood that the true measure of a person’s life was in their service to others, and she exemplified this in every aspect of her life. Doris’s professional life was equally remarkable. She dedicated 30 years of her life to the Bedford County Treasurer’s Office, contributing to the community’s financial stability and growth. Her work was a testament to her commitment to the betterment of Bedford County. In a world that was constantly changing, Doris stayed true to herself and her values. She embraced the challenges of the ever-evolving world and remained a beacon of hope and resilience, always believing in humanity’s ultimate capacity to make life better for everyone.
The family of Doris Stanley is especially grateful to the staff of the Bedford County Nursing Home for their loving care and support over almost six years. Their dedication ensured that Doris was able to live her final years in comfort and with the love and respect she deserved. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to organizations that Doris held dear. The Sedalia Center, Main Street United Methodist Church, or simply reaching out and introducing yourself to someone you don’t know, in the spirit of making a new friend, would be a fitting tribute to her memory.
A graveside service to honor Doris’s life will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dawn Compton, a reflection of Doris’s strong ties to her faith and her community. There will be no visitation as the family comes together to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of so many.
