Elizabeth “Bess” Doran

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Elizabeth “Bess” Doran, 96, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister died December 14, 2013, at Crystal Coast Hospice House, Newport. She was a resident of Newport, North Carolina.

Mrs. Doran was born in Nova Scotia, Canada on March 18, 1917 to Thomas and Mary MacLeod Manchester and was raised in Warwick, RI. She served in the United States Army during World War II. After attempting to enlist to serve her country and be closer to her husband, she discovered married woman were not allowed to serve in the Army Nurse Corps. Believing this wasn't remotely fair and being a woman with an enormous amount of spunk she decided to write Eleanor Roosevelt concerning the matter and Mrs. Roosevelt responded with an offer to enter the Red Cross. In 1943, Mrs. Doran became the first married woman to serve in the Army Nurse Corps, spending 18 months tending to wounded soldiers in France after completing basic training. Her husband, Lawrence, served in the United States Marine Corps and was transferred to Cherry Point, NC in 1963. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Doran was hired by Carteret General Hospital as their first OBGYN nurse.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane D. Garner and husband, Ronald G. Garner, of Newport, NC; son, Michael Doran and wife, Kathleen A. Doran, of Morganton, NC; grandchildren, Michael G. Garner of Newport, Beverly G. Barnes and husband, John T. Barnes, of Newport, Jamison C. Doran of Washington, DC, Katelyn E. Doran of Seattle, Washington; great-grandchildren, Matthew L. Chisenhall of Newport, Lauren E. Barnes of Newport, Ashton T. Barnes of Newport; great-great-granddaughter, Amelia Grace Chisenhall. Her husband, Lawrence “Larry” Arthur Doran; great-granddaughter, Courtney M. Garner; and brother, Thomas A. “Burt” Manchester, preceded her in death.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570 or Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. of Morehead City. Access online obituary and Internet condolences through www.brooksfuneralhomeandcrematory.com