Doris Weldon Renn

May 2, 2021

Doris Weldon Renn, a resident of Trinity View Retirement Community in Arden, NC, died May 2, 2021. She was born March 4, 1923, in Epson Community, NC, the fourth daughter of the late Tollie Henry Weldon and Clide Daniel Weldon. She was pre-deceased by her husband, W. Wilson Renn; son, W. Daniel Renn; sisters, Jane Ayscue, Blanche Jackson, Bettye Faulkner; and brother, T.H. Weldon, Jr. Doris leaves behind a daughter, Deborah Wolcott, and husband Bill of Asheville; two grandchildren, Amy R. Wolcott and husband Nathan Roehrig (Honolulu) and Will Wolcott (Charlottesville, VA); two great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Olivia Roehrig; and sister, Elaine Fuller and Doris’ extended family: Jane and Bill Pearce, Faye and Milton Shearin, Helen Renn, Peggy Pinnell, Jeanette Rowe, and Anne and Bill Guillet, and numerous nieces and nephews. Doris attended Elon College where she received a business degree. After marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Wilson, they settled in Raleigh where she and her husband were active and faithful members of Hayes Barton Baptist Church. She sang soprano in the church choir for over forty-five years. Doris and Wilson owned and operated toy and children’s clothing stores in Raleigh’s Cameron Village, Durham’s Northgate, Jacksonville, NC, and Danville, VA. When she wasn’t being the accountant or buyer for the stores, Doris enjoyed gardening. She cultivated roses, camellias, and a variety of perennials. Encouraged by her husband, she entered a rose arrangement that won first prize at the NC State Fair. Doris loved the outdoors and played golf regularly. She and Wilson played in a couples bridge group that stayed together for forty years. She created cross-stitch, crewel embroidery, and needlepoint handiwork. But, her great love was her family. She remembered the birthdays and holidays of each relative until she was no longer able to write. Her bright personality, enthusiasm, and positive spirit brought joy to those who knew her. A memorial service will be held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church,1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC on May 24, 2022, at 2 PM. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Hayes Barton Baptist Church or to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804.