Doris E. Hackey

Doris Emogene Plummer Hackey was born on February 25, 1928 to the late Garnett and Hannah Hoes Plummer. She was the only daughter and eldest of six siblings - Garnett Sylvester (deceased), Raymond (deceased), Gordon (deceased), Larry and Gregory. Doris would relate how happy her early life was living in Germantown, Maryland on Baker's Estate known as Ballincara. During a time when many others struggled, Doris remembered having bountiful food and good times within the family. At the age of 12, her father built a house on the comer of Middlebrook Road and Route 118 in Germantown, Maryland.

As a youth, Doris attended and walked to the one room Germantown Colored School which was located 3 miles from their home. Doris was attentive to her five younger brothers and together they formed loving and supportive relationships that continued throughout their lives.

Doris later attended Lincoln High School in Rockville, Maryland, graduating in 1945. After graduation, she married the love of her life, George E. Hackey, Sr. (deceased) on November 24, 1946. The couple built a home in Clarksburg, Maryland. This blessed marriage lasted 71 years and they were a symbol of love and devotion throughout the community. From this union, two sons were born, Craig Sr., (deceased) and George, Jr. Their loving daughter, Joyce Murphy, was integrated and loved within the family.

Doris continued to pursue her education after marriage. She studied at Miner Teacher's College in Washington, D.C. and later took classes at Montgomery College, Towson State University and Bowie State University.

Doris earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Antioch University and her Master's Degree from Hood College. She obtained child development credentials as well as being certified as an Advanced Professional for grade levels pre-school through third grade.

Doris retired from Montgomery County Public Schools as a Teacher Specialist in 1995 after 30 years of service. Some of her prominent achievements include establishing the Montgomery County branch of the Black Child Institute; a participant and advocate in Head Start and the Community We Care Program in Germantown, Maryland; she is listed in " Who' s Who in American Education" (1988-1989 and 1989- 1990); "Above and Beyond the Call of Duty," Montgomery County Public Schools; ''Nancy Dworkin Award" for outstanding service to youth, and editor of one publication, "Lifesaver for Teaching." Doris also owned the Clinton Day Nursery in Rockville, Maryland, serving numerous children for many years.

It is difficult to encapsulate Doris' achievements and gifts to her family and community. Doris was a woman of deep Christian faith. She was a longtime member of Mother Seton Roman Catholic Church where she taught religious education classes for youth. Also a member of the Parish Council, Doris was instrumental in initiating the Black History Program held annually at Mother Seton. In addition, Doris was an ardent supporter of the Community of Faith United Methodist Church. Doris was a member of the Clarksburg Senior Citizens and a faithful honorary member of the Great and Respectable Black Organization (GARBO).

Doris' home was a hub of activity and often a safe harbor for those in need. Doris was the consummate hostess who enjoyed entertaining and cooking. She modeled the example of being a strong, gracious, confident black woman who was proud of her history and legacy, yet she was also loving, encouraging, and supported the activities of family and friends.

Doris will be remembered for her gracious spirit by her son, George E. Hackey, Jr. (Dory); daughter, Joyce Murphy (Robert); daughter-in-law, Elise "Potsy'' Hackey; eight grandchildren, Annette, Stephanie (Joseph), Craig, Jr. (Melissa), Brooke, Derick, Cari (Michael), George III, and Erica; eight great-grandchildren, Gordon, Elijah, Isaac Ali, Quinton, Maddon, Malone, Jaylen, and Ava; two brothers, Larry (June) and Gregory; three sisters-in-law, Mildred Hackey, Delois Gamble, and Shirley Plummer; many godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She peacefully transitioned to her eternal home on Monday, November 12, 2018, at the Montgomery Village Health Care Center in Montgomery Village, Maryland.

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