Catherine Lois (Wilkins) Doty, lovingly known as “Nannie,” lived a remarkable 102 years surrounded by family, love, and the simple joys that made her life meaningful. Born to Ernest Wilkins and Sadie Bell Lilley in Portsmouth, Virginia, Nannie was known for her warmth, resilience, and her gift for making things beautiful.

For many years she managed a clothing store, where her natural eye for fashion and love of helping others shone. She never missed an opportunity to offer fashion advice—even to her own family—and always carried herself with elegance and grace.

Her home reflected her personality—filled with gorgeous blue and white Delft ceramics and other artful details. Nannie was deeply creative and took joy in making things special, not just for herself but for everyone who visited. Her Christmas presents were always perfectly and lovingly wrapped, and she took great pride each year in showing off her beautifully decorated Christmas tree. But what people remember most was her kindness. Nannie was always there to listen and offer loving advice. She effortlessly made connections with others, often striking up cheerful conversations with strangers at the grocery store. Her warm smile and positivity made people feel welcome wherever she went. She also had a wonderfully frank sense of humor and often delivered a single honest line that would make the whole room erupt in laughter.

Family was the center of her life. She made sure the people she loved always knew it, often ending phone calls with, “I love you more.” Throughout her long life, Nannie endured illnesses and heartbreaking losses, yet she remained a steady source of optimism and strength for those around her. She was a woman of faith and often said she had guardian angels watching over her. Her family believes she was something of a guardian angel herself, always taking an interest in our lives and making sure we felt loved and cared for.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Doty; her brother, Sergeant Earl Wilkins; her son, Raymond Doty; and her daughter, Shirley Mills.

She is survived by her son-in-law, George Mills; her former daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Doty, whom Nannie continued to consider family; her grandchildren, Lauren Euler (Patrick), and Brittany, Shannon, and Blake Doty (Alisha); and her great-grandchildren, Colin and Ryan Euler, and Rose, Everett, Sybil, and Frederick Doty.

Nannie will always be remembered for her loving heart and the joy she brought to those around her.

An intimate private family service will be held at a later date.

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