REMEMBRANCES OF DORIS GOWEN

A memorial service for Doris was held May 27, 1999, at Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church. The family would like to especially thank Reverend Paul Horn, Steve Tate, and Ken Faulkner for leading the service. We would also like to thank all of the students, friends, co-workers, and MCV staff who attended.

Two things that I will always remember about Doris: She was a collector of many things, trinket boxes, Beanie Babies, and key rings. But she was first and foremost a collector of "FRIENDS." The second thing I will always remember was something we found in her writing on hair loss. Among other things, she wrote:

"Hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy, and cancer is a side effect of life."

Doris was a very dear friend of mine. The very short time she was here she taught me many things. People say that nobody's perfect and that's true, but Doris was right up there. She was kind, smart, considerate, sweet,outgoing, and the list goes on and on.

In my opinion, Doris was the best friend anybody could possibly have. Not only has she taught me how to live everyday to the fullest, but she taught me that life is very fragile.

I don't know if Doris knew this, but she touched the lives of everyone she knew in some way, shape, or form, and I thank her for that. She was a good friend.

-Written by Kristen Croskey-Freshwater

Doris was a very special one who was very nice to everyone. She was strong; she was courageous. Even though I've been across the ocean and back, I've never been through as much as she has. I will always remember her.

-Written by Lorena Tague

Doris filled every one's hearts and always will. She was one-of-a-kind, an amazing girl.

-Written by Ashley Simpson

Doris we miss your love but we know you watch down on us from up above. We may ask why and may even cry but we know it's better for you. I know you are in a better place where we all will meet one day and be safe. I love you Doris.

-Written by Danielle Daniel

Doris.....a beautiful name. She was a great friend. She was nice to everyone. I remember her as the most caring, fun, and athletic girl I have ever known! Doris you are my angel. I LOVE YOU

-Written by Andrew Ross

Doris was a very talented young lady. I will miss her sweet smile and friendly manner.

-Written by Mrs. McGhee

I will remember you as a very mature, responsible young lady with a great personality.

-Written by Mrs. Ratliff

I remember Doris as being a helpful student, always asking or volunteering to do something. She was polite and kind to others in class. Doris had many friends in the sixth grade. Her most challenging subject was math, and she worked hard at it never giving up on improving her grade in it. I guess in after thought, this gives us all a glimpse into her winning attitude. Doris has made a great impact on my life and the life of others. Through her strength and courage Doris revealed truly great human qualities.

-Written by Mrs. Carter

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for awhile leaving footprints on our hearts and we will never ever be the same. Thank you Doris for touching my heart! Your life will serve an inspiration to us all.

-Written by Mrs. Gray

In her short life, Doris showed remarkable spirit, great courage, and a love of life rarely seen in someone so young. Even when she was not feeling well, she always did her best. For the few weeks she was able to attend school this year, she was a person to look up to. Many adults would find it difficult to cope with things Doris faced every day. Though we did not know her for long, she will be long remembered.

-Written by Mrs. Burton

You are my special angel! Thank you Doris for touching my life!

-Written by Mrs. Houser

Doris was far more of a teacher to me than I could have ever been to her. We can all learn a valuable lesson from her strength, dedication, determination, and love of life in spite of all that she faced. Thank you, Doris, for being my greatest teacher.

-Written by Mrs. Harvey

Delightful Outgoing, original Responsible Inviting Special, strong

Good hearted, grateful Outstanding Wonderful, wise, willing Energetic Nice, neat, natural

-Written by Ashley Lunsford and Becca Bellante

This year we became close and you're the one I miss most. Although you're gone it feels like you're here, even though I know it's your spirit that's near. I feel so bad, it's not even funny, my eyes are all red and my nose is runny. I get down on my knees and pray, you were great in every way. I know now you are in a better place and I'll always remember your smiling face.

-Written by Christina Buckley

Doris is sweet in every way. I love to see her every day. She is the sunshine of my sky. She is gone, I don't know why. Every time I think of her I start to cry. But now I know she is an angel in disguise. She's in Heaven, God knows why. She's up above in the sky, now I know she has no reason to cry. But I wonder why someone so beautiful could die. But all we can do is watch her lie in that beautiful vase while we cry. Rest in peace, Doris, all your life.

-Written by Carey Barber

Doris was a special one who touched the lives of everyone. All she had to do was smile, to make someone happy for awhile.

She was one-of-a-kind and she didn't seem to mind that her life was tougher than the others.

But I'll tell you this, I am sure going to miss that amazing girl, Doris Gowen.

-Written by Kristie Schindler