Obituary of Doris Pritchard

Elizabeth City, NC Mrs. Doris Elizabeth Hopkins Pritchard, age 88, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at Guardian Care Nursing Home which was her residence for the last year. She was born August 28, 1915 in Pasquotank County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Fenner Benjamin Hopkins and Lillian Twiford Hopkins. Doris married Rufus Davis Pritchard on March 6, 1938. She grew up in Elizabeth City and was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, the Ladies’ Bible Class and United Methodist Women. She was a fifty-year member of the Elizabeth City Chapter #44 Order of the Eastern Star. During her early marriage she worked in the office of Dr. Frank Selig and later in her life she was employed by the Albemarle Hospital. She has left a legacy of great kindness; her smile and gentleness have touched many. Doris is survived by a daughter, Dianne Pritchard McDowell and husband, William Patton McDowell, III, of Elizabeth City, NC; a son, Rufus Davis Pritchard, Jr., and wife, Roxie Farrow Pritchard, of Manteo, NC; seven grandchildren, William Patton McDowell, IV, and wife, Cindy Pinkston McDowell of Charlotte, NC, Benjamin Kelly McDowell of Houston, TX, Elizabeth McDowell Smith and husband, Kevin Andrew Smith of Summit, NJ, Bryan Lane McDowell and wife, Katie Michaels McDowell of Atlanta, GA, Rufus Davis Pritchard, III, of Manteo, NC, Charles Patrick Pritchard of Atlanta, GA, and Sarah Blake Pritchard of Chapel Hill, NC; five great grandchildren, Katherine ‘Katie’ Elizabeth McDowell, Lauren Weeks McDowell, William Parker McDowell, Andrew McDowell ‘Mac’ Smith, and Lillian ‘Lilli’ Alexandra Smith; a sister-in-law, Margie Hardison Hopkins of Elizabeth City, NC; several nieces and nephews; and devoted friends, Shirley Ferebee and Janie Thomas. She was predeceased by two sisters, Camilla Hopkins Rector and Maxine Hopkins Lane; and her brother Fenner Benjamin Hopkins, Jr. A family graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. David Mohering officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence of the daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Pat McDowell, 1701 Parkview Drive, Elizabeth City, NC following the funeral service. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 401, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 or one’s favorite charity. You may sign the online guest register at www.twifordfh.com. Twiford’s Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, is in charge of arrangements.