Ruth Byrum Doughtie

Ruth Byrum Doughtie, 91, formerly of the 8800 block of Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, VA, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2015 in Autumn Care of Suffolk. Mrs. Doughtie was born in Chowan County on August 14, 1924, and was the daughter of the late Willie Oscar and Corrie Dale Byrum. She loved her life as a homemaker and enjoyed working with her flowers, gardening, and helping on the farm with her husband of 69 years. A longtime member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, she was faithful in attendance and in many leadership positions and activities as long as her health permitted. Another area of enjoyment was her membership in the Whaleyville Chapter #137, The Order of the Eastern Star where she had served as Worthy Matron. Her greatest joys other than her family were helping others and serving her church and community. She had an enormous amount of faith and that faith sustained her family, especially during her time of illness. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Ray Doughtie; by her infant son, Wallace Ray Doughtie, Jr.; a sister, Mabel Hare; and by three brothers, Elbert, Roger, and Winfred Byrum. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Sandra Edwards and husband Frankie of Franklin, VA; two sons, Stuart Doughtie and wife Ann of Suffolk and Michael Doughtie and wife Sarah of Gates; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many members of the Byrum and Doughtie families. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church and will be officiated by the Rev. Cody Brinkley and the Rev. Billy Presley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and again in the church social hall following the service on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to either Reynoldson Baptist Church, in care of Charles Cale, 8353 Longstreet Lane, Suffolk, VA 23434 or to the charity of one's choice. The family asks that you provide a random act of kindness to someone in her honor. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.