Gloria Doughtie Lewis peacefully passed away on April 3, 2021 surrounded by her family. Gloria lived her life of more than 95 years with grace, dignity, and love for her family. She was a grand lady from Georgia and lived in Huntsville for over 57 years. Her curiosity and pursuit of lifelong learning took her around the world.
Gloria was born on September 29th, 1925, the first child of Charles Pittman Doughtie, Sr. and Alma McMichael Doughtie, of Columbus, GA. Gloria was an extraordinary woman, abundant in natural talents with the drive to pursue them. After graduating with honors from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia, Gloria taught elementary school in Columbus and Atlanta. She met her husband, Lt. Colonel (ret.) Royal Cole Lewis, at a Valentine’s Day dance in Fort Benning, Georgia in 1951 and they married in May. They were married until his death in 2018.
Her husband’s U.S. Army assignments took them to Orleans, France and to Hanau and Baumholder, Germany. Their mutual passion for foreign cultures and languages inspired them to travel extensively throughout Europe. Gloria became conversational in French and Spanish and enjoyed corresponding with the many friends she made during her time in Europe.
After her husband’s retirement from the military, the family settled with their children in Huntsville in 1966. Gloria resumed her teaching career as a primary and special education teacher at Whitesburg and Weatherly Elementary. She was an active member of Latham Methodist Church and loved the Lord.
A creative powerhouse, she also loved sewing, singing, painting, and studying French. She was a gifted soprano and had a great passion for music. She was a member of the Huntsville Community Chorus and sang in the choir at Valley United Methodist Church. Occasionally, she performed at private and community gatherings and she was a lifelong student of the piano.
Gloria’s talents also included her beautiful oil paintings, many that she exhibited at public locations around Huntsville and that grace the homes of her family. Her specialties were New England farm scenes, wildlife, and landscapes. She also painted lovely flowers and fine portraits of her grandchildren. She delighted in taking pictures when she traveled and later poring through picture books to find just the right subject to paint.
A devoted patron of the arts, Gloria took great pleasure in attending musical, dance, and theatre performances at the Von Braun Center and other art venues around town. She was an active member of the Huntsville Music Club for 40 years and the Huntsville Literature Club and Alliance Francaise for more than 20 years. Gloria and Roy also enjoyed hosting many bridge games and cocktail parties in their home with a diverse group of friends.
Gloria is survived by her three children: Royal Cole Lewis, III (Kay) of Huntsville, Amy Lewis Bear (Jay) of Atlanta, and Fay Lewis Leo (Karl) of Huntsville, and her seven grandchildren, Dr. Christina Cochran of Birmingham, Thomas W. Rudderow, IV (Emily) of Atlanta, Jessica Dodd (Brian) and Hannah Lewis, both of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Channing Cochran of Salt Lake City, Lana Leo and Landon Leo of Huntsville. Her two great grandchildren are Emmalyn Alford of Charlotte and Lawson Rudderow of Atlanta. She is also survived by her younger brother, Charles Pittman Doughtie, Jr. and his children, Donna, Chuck, and Lauren of Columbus, GA.
A memorial service will be held at Laughlin Service Funeral Home in Huntsville on April 7, 2021. Visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m. followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. Gloria will be interred beside her beloved husband at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.
In lieu of flowers, you can consider making a donation in her name to the Huntsville Music Study Club or the Thurber Arts Center at Randolph School.
