Dr. Doris E. Hess

Dr. Doris E. Hess of Asheville, NC and formerly of Hughesville and New York, NY, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Doris was born August 7, 1924, the daughter of George M. Hess Sr. and Susan Margaret Swank Hess.

She graduated from Hughesville High School in 1942; her life-time work was in communications, beginning with journalism in high school. She started her career at the Hughesville Mail, Muncy Luminary and the Williamsport Sun. She graduated from Asbury College; “Cum Laude” in 1949, and received her MA and Ph.D., from Syracuse University.

Doris served as a missionary in the Philippines for nine years. She organized a central literature office for Methodists and was active in ecumenical work with the National Council of churches in the Philippines. She served as a Philippines correspondent and field treasurer for women’s work between 1957 and 1961.

In 1961, she was appointed consultant for a new international program with the Methodist Board of Missions in New York. She has traveled to more than sixty countries, covering advisory work for church publishing centers, literacy programs and training in mass communications. She represented the Methodist Church in the U.S.A. as the only woman member of the Christian Literature Fund Committee, a global agency with ecumenical literature responsibilities. She retired as assistant secretary for functional ministries of the General Board of Global Ministries.

In 1992, she was admitted to the Hughesville High School Academic Hall of Fame. During her retirement in Asheville, NC, she volunteered for the Asheville Police Department and in the Brooks Howell Library.

Doris was predeceased by brothers George Jr., W. Robert, C. Max, and James R. Hess.

She is survived by her brother Barry W. (Polly) and sisters-in-laws, Audrey, Esther, Carlene, and Ann and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris is a member of Christ’s United Methodist Church in Hughesville.

A memorial service will be held in the Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2009. The Rev. G. Edward Corcelius will officiate the service. A luncheon will be held after the service in the Methodist Social Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Christ’s United Methodist Organ Fund or the Hughesville Area Library would be appreciated.

McCartyThomas Funeral Home, Hughesville, is in charge of the arrangements.