On April 30, 2005, we were delighted to welcome Doris Alexander into the family at Brooks-Howell when she moved here from Decatur, Georgia. Unlike many globetrotting residents, Doris was born and raised in rural Georgia, in Crawford. She lived in Georgia all her life, except for a few years when her Dad went to Indiana to work in the steel mills. Before her parents were married, her mother worked on the family farm.Doris, a social worker, was commissioned Deaconess in 1957 at Buck Hill Falls. She worked just three months shy of 40 years at the Wesley Community Centers in Atlanta, and was Director for 20 of those years. Working with children, she developed recreational, camping and other programs. She retired in 1993.
Early in her time of working in Atlanta, Doris bought a home in Decatur in an integrated neighborhood, and was also an active part of a church in that same area. In that time of seeking to overcome barriers in society and the church, both were significant expressions of her own commitment to diversity and oneness. The decision to leave her longtime home and community was not an easy one when she decided to move here. It was pleasant to find that her furniture from home all fit into her apartment!
Of her new life here, Doris says: "In the process of "settling in" I was opening my last two boxes and discovered with delight they contained my games and puzzles, both of which I enjoy very much. ‘I surely hope I can find someone to enjoy games as much as I do,' I thought. Well, it wasn't long until I teamed up with a friend, Arlene, and a ‘games night’ was underway. It has been a wonderful way to get to know new friends."
"My door is always open and my welcome mat is out. Just remember, don't plan a visit between 7:00 and 9:00 on Monday nights, because I'll be enjoying the fellowship which comes in a special way through sharing a good game!" Doris, we're so glad you’re here!