Doris Walston

Wilson - Doris Cozart Schaum Walston died Sunday.

A service of death and resurrection will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 100 Green Street, Wilson at 2:00 pm on Wednesday May 18, 2016, with burial to follow at Maplewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at home at 1000 West Nash Street.

She was born July 6, 1923 in Wilson, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Norborne Morris and Doris Cozart Schaum. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Dred Stuart Walston; by their daughter, Ruth Walston Harris; grandson, Matthew Stuart Walston and sister, Elizabeth Schaum Lamm.

She graduated from Salem College in 1944, where she chaired the War Activities Council and began a long association with the Red Cross, serving as a nurse's aide during WWII. Upon graduation, she was elected permanent class president.

Doris very much loved Wilson County and devoted her time to the community. She served as Chairman of the Junior Red Cross and Blood Program, was a member of the first Board of Directors of the Barton Wilson Symphony, a 12 year member and 2 year Chairman of the Wilson School Board and President of City Wide Council of PTA Presidents. She was a Sertoma Club recipient of "Service to Mankind Award" and The Governor's Award for Wilson County Volunteer of the Year.

As a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Finance, Building and Worship Committees. Doris organized and started the Chancel Committee and was wedding director for many years. She was elected a Life Member of United Methodist Women and was the 2004 Lay Person of the Year.

She is survived by her sons, Dred Stuart Walston, Jr. and wife, Starlette of Wilson, Richard Cozart Walston and wife, Susan of Raleigh, son-in-law Clyde Peebles Harris, Jr. and wife, Brenda, of Wilson, grandchildren, Fleming Harris Samuels and husband, Kirk, Clyde Peebles Harris, III, Clark Walston Harris and wife, Genna, Anna Walston Williams and husband, Ben, Sarah Walston Madry and husband, Hayden, and Allison Marie Walston. Great-grandchildren Millicent and Olzie Samuels, Betty and Annie Fleming Harris, Stuart and Margaret Williams.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894.