Obituary of Doris L Jennings

Doris Lee Jennings was born on November 17, 1950, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late James L. Wheaton Sr. and Ola Zulean Wheaton of Willingboro, New Jersey. She was raised in a military family and traveled to several states and countries around the world. In her senior year of high school, she was the only and first negro contestant crowned the winner in the annual Burlington County Junior Miss 1969 Pageant. She was also the president of the Modern Dance club. Doris was well rounded and participated in the French Club, Varsity Hockey, Girls Athletic Association, and the Soccer club. Doris was active in the Girl Scouts starting out as President of her senior troops and later becoming leaders for her daughter’s girl scout troops. Doris received her degree in Social Work – Bachelor of Arts from Trenton State College in 1973 and continued the pursuit to help others in the social work arena. While at college Doris was a charter member of the Lota Beta undergraduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in 1972. After college she started her career in social work in Middlesex County for many years and served the elderly in nursing homes. In her later years, Doris became a teacher assistant in the Edgewater Park School System. She also loved teaching Sunday School at her church and attending church services. Doris had a passion and great love for tennis. She was an avid tennis player and member of the Willingboro Tennis club. When the US Tennis Open was happening, you would know that she was in the stands as an ardent fan. Some of Doris’s other pastime hobbies were shopping and running marathons. She was a big contributor and participant in the Susan J. Komen and the RWJ Hamilton Foundation 5K runs with many medals of completion. She is survived by her children Joy Francis of North Carolina, Nicole Benschine of New Jersey, Natalie Rivera of New Jersey, and Bruce Jennings (Marci) of Washington, D.C. Doris is also survived by her brother James L. Wheaton Jr. (Bridgette) of Germany, sister, Marietta Saunders (George) of North Carolina and brother, David Wheaton (Jocelyn) of Georgia; her grandchildren: Andre Henry Jr., Marcus Henry, Christopher Rivera, Sidnei Henry, Quinton Jennings, Caitlyn Rivera, Claudia Benschine, Christian Rivera, Noah Benschine, Caleb Rivera, Chloe Rivera, Casey Rivera, Zara Jennings; and great-grandchildren: Keyera Henry, Mya Henry, Ava Henry, Cameron Smith Jr., Camilla Rose Rivera and a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives.