Doris Barnett Dobbins

Doris Barnett Dobbins passed away peacefully on September 7, 2012 a few hours before her 89th birthday in Tallahassee, FL where she was born and lived her entire life. Doris was devoted to her family, her church, and had many creative and artistic talents. She had a passion for people and made friends wherever she went. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing with others, gardening, and was a master southern cook! She was a beautiful, generous, joyous, inspiring, and faithful lady. Folks remember her saying "age is all in the mind" and she shared unselfishly throughout her life. She worked for 33 years with Centel Phone Company, where she started as an operator and moved up to management while earning an associate’s degree from Tallahassee Community College. She later worked with the Florida Marine Patrol. Doris was an active member of the First Baptist Church until her health declined. Doris married Eugene Toole Barnett and was gifted with three children, a daughter, Norma Jean Marsh (Wesley), and two sons, Tommy Joe Barnett and Phillip Barnett. She also lovingly raised her grandson, Joel Barnett. In her later years, she met Pete Dobbins, a former Marine, at First Baptist Church. He sparked that extra special light in her heart and soul that never diminished. Through Pete, she “inherited” her loving stepsons Dan Dobbins and Tim Dobbins. Her surviving family includes, daughter, Norma Jean Marsh, son, Phillip Barnett, stepsons, Daniel Dobbins and Tim Dobbins; sisters, Jo Ann Barber and Josephine White and seven grandchildren whom she adored. Doris was preceded in death by her husbands Eugene Toole Barnett and Peter Dobbins, son, Tommy Joe Barnett, and sisters, Kathleen Sellers, and Alice Henry. Doris was blessed to have been taken care of by Catherine Clemons, Lisa Clemons, Pat Smith, and Tommy Raynor. Thank you to Consulate Healthcare of Tallahassee for taking such good care of her. There will be a celebration of life for her on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Doris Dobbins at First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

Tributes

Doris Barnett Dobbins

September 8, 1923 - September 7, 2012