Doris Schneider, 79 of Newland, NC passed away at home on Saturday, June 25, 2022 after a courageous bout with cancer. Born in Rosenberg, Texas, on July 31, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Margie Schneider. As a child Doris and her family moved frequently due to her father’s work but she always considered herself a Texan at heart. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in theater from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a Master of Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master’s of Product Design from North Carolina State University. She was a Theatrical Arts Professor at NCCU in Durham, teaching, designing sets and directing plays for most of her career. After her retirement Doris worked with her husband, Jim, to achieve one of his many dreams, to build a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. Doris also used her retirement to focus on many of her own passions and dreams, including publishing 3 novels and a children’s book. Doris was an artist of many mediums (writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, designing jewelry, and gardening). She was part owner and co-creator of the Lemonade Art Gallery in Washington, North Carolina. She loved sharing her stories and creativity with family and friends, quick to encourage others to find their own way to express themselves through art. She was a talented cook, known by many for her fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and many fabulous desserts.
Doris was a generous, warm, funny, talented, and spiritual woman. She developed friendships all over the world and was quick to welcome a new person into her fold. She adored her daughters and grandchildren, cheering them on in all of their pursuits and successes, always ready to support them with a hug and a cookie. Doris was fiercely proud of her family and loved spending time with them.
Doris is survived by her husband, Jim Coke; children, Jessica Rhyne (Todd), Elaine Woods (Tim); grandchildren Joseph and Nathan Rhyne, Madison and Caroline Woods; Step-Children, Jeff Coke (Murray), Jay Coke (Sharon), Jenny Anderson (Richard); grandchildren, Erin, Kailey, Christopher, Nicole, Ashley, Jackson, Gracie, William; 3 great- grandchildren, brother, Tom Schneider (Ernestine); nieces Jackie and Rebecca, nephew, Thomas.
There will be a private celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Professor Doris Schneider was a dynamic set designer, builder, and painter for the North Carolina Central University Department of Theater. Yet she continued to prepare herself to enhance the concentrations in theater, after she was hired. She studied education for theater and became supervisor for the Department's Theater Education program. Her students have excelled in high school drama-especially competions. Wendell Tabb, the award winning high school director was recognized by the Tony Awards. He was one of her students.