Doris Respess Bateman, age 92, a resident of Ridgewood Manor and formerly of Ayden, NC, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014. There will be a graveside celebration of her life at 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 23 at the Bateman Family Plot in Oakdale Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Chad Penhorwood. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 23 from 12:30 to 1:45 pm at Hillside Funeral Service, 4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, NC and then will travel in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends at other times at the home of her sister, Edna Woolard, 207 W. 12th St., Washington, NC.

Ms. Bateman was born May 28, 1921 in Beaufort County, daughter of the late William and Hattie Winfield Respess. She was married to Robert Midgett Bateman on September 11, 1938, who preceded her in death. Doris was retired from Dupont as a lab technician following 28 years of service. She was a member of the Christian Church of Ayden, loved bridge and yard work. Doris cooked meals for the Ronald McDonald House and volunteered with “Meals on Wheels”. Doris loved spending time with her family and wintering in the Florida Keys.

She is survived by her son, William “Bill” Bateman and wife Mary of the Florida Keys; her sister, Edna R. Woolard of Washington; her five grandchildren, Walter, Elizabeth, Susan, Ericka and Scott; and eight great grandchildren.