DORIS PRYEAR

DORIS E. COLLINS BEASLEY PRYEAR nee-(ARMSTRONG) Family matriarch, AKA - Zeta Theta Omega's last charter member, Second Baptist Church Saint has passed, age 98.

DORIS E. COLLINS BEASLEY PRYEAR nee-(ARMSTRONG), daughter of George and Florence Armstrong was born on February 14, 1925 in Akron, Ohio. She departed her earthly journey on November 15, 2023 at her home in Akron, Ohio.

Doris attended Akron Public School and graduated from East High School. She attended and graduated Cum Laude from Howard University, Washington D.C. in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology; and went on to earn a Master of Science in Psychology in 1948. While at Howard she was involved in modern dance recitals in New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

She was employed as a social worker with Summit County Tuberculosis Society, as girl’s director at Akron Community Service Center and Urban League, and as a certified teacher at the Power Street Jail. After more than 40 years of service as the supervisor of Detention at the County of Summit Juvenile Court, Mrs. Pryear retired in 1989 as the Director of the Girls Division, and was affiliated with a number of professional and community organizations.

Her memberships included the American Correctional Association, Correctional and Court Services Association, and the Criminal Justice Professional Women’s Association. She also served her community through partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was also active with the League of Women Voters.  

She was a faithful lifelong member of the Second Baptist Church in Akron since early childhood, amassing more than 90 years of loving service. She served as trustee, treasurer and on many occasions the keynote speaker for church activities. She is a distinguished Pearl member (65yrs.+) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (AKA), Zeta Theta Omega Chapter (Charter Member) with 72 years of total membership. Throughout her service to her beloved AKA, she served in various leadership roles including parliamentarian, secretary and chairman of numerous committees.

In addition to her professional affiliations, Doris was a trainer of Brownie Leaders and a Senior Girl Scout Leader. She taught piano lessons and enjoyed Boating, Volleyball, Basketball and Badminton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband RayVaughn F. Pryear with whom she enjoyed 49 ½ years of marital bliss; brother George W. Armstrong ; sisters Muriel Parrish, Josie King James, and daughter Darlene Beasley. She leaves to cherish her memory, sister; Linda Whetstone, son Richard (Marcia) Beasley; daughter Diane Beasley; 3 grandchildren Cameron (Nicole) Mack; Brandy (Corey) Harris of Atlanta, GA; and J.L. Key; great grandchildren Corey Jr., Justin, and Lauren Harris and a host of nieces, nephews and friends, whom all loved her and will cherish her memory in their lives.

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