Doris O. Wilder

On October 16, 2022, our Heavenly Father called Doris O’Neil Rice Wilder home to be with Him. Born on July 11, 1927 in Windsor, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late John G. Rice and Eunice Chavis Rice. Doris (Lil Gal) was predeceased by her seven siblings, Henry (HP), Eunice (Sister), Jesse (Fruze), Bertha (Big A), Corleen (Tap), Clara (Teeny), and Thelma (Sweet Pea). Doris received her education in the Bertie County School System. After marriage to the late Henry Wilder Jr., they moved to Portsmouth, Virginia where they raised and schooled their children, Henry Reid III (deceased), Mary Ann and Peggy. Doris chose Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age. After the family moved to Portsmouth, she joined Noble Street Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member. Some of her church affiliations were Sunday School Class of Ruth, Pastor’s Aid, Scholarship Fund Raiser, Women’s Day Committee Member, Missionary contributor and participant. She was a member of the XYZ Club, Cedar Grove Acres Senior Walkers, and Hospitality Committee for Church and Clubs. Doris was a great crocheter. She crocheted blankets for five generations of family members. After her health began to decline and mobility decreased, church attendance became increasingly difficult.

Doris (Ms. Dot) and Henry Jr. (Buck) became successful entrepreneurs in the city of Portsmouth. They owned businesses across the street from one another in the Black Business District on County Street. Ms. Dot was loved by many who frequently patronized her business and enjoyed the home cooked meals and the social experiences that were popular during that time.

Doris leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Dr. Mary W. Colden, and Peggy W. Peebles, both of Chesapeake, Virginia; seven grand children; G. Adam Colden (Loren) Chesapeake, Virginia, Sabrina R. Peebles Wilmington, Delaware, Derrick O. Colden Woodbridge, Virginia, Hurley L Peebles III Chesapeake, Virginia, Rhonda Harmon and Crystal Barber Portsmouth, Virginia, and Kim C. Figueroa (Colin) Elkridge, Maryland; fourteen great grand children; ten great- great grand children; a special nephew Russell Hoggard, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St.Jude and Noble St.Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA in her memory,