Life and Legacy of Doris Thorpe Rountree

A Time to Be Born

A Precious Jewel, Doris Thorpe Rountree, was the third of six children born on March 11, 1940, to the late Arthur Drane Thorpe and Ella Floyd Thorpe in Miami, Florida.

A Time to Live

Doris received her early education at Bethune Elementary School, Dorsey Junior High School, and Northwestern Senior High School in 1958. She was a smart and spirited child who stood out in a large, lively family—affectionately known as the “boss lady” because even at an early age, she knew how to get things done. She had a strong work ethic and would tag along with her big brother David as he cut neighborhood lawns, determined to be part of the effort. Gifted and nurturing, she loved cooking for her family and was musically inclined, playing the flute in the high school band, taking piano lessons, and even teaching her younger brother Bill how to play. Doris was a gifted flute player and earned the rank of First-Chair in the band while her sweetheart William played drums. After graduating from high school, Doris attended Bethune-Cookman College and played flute in the band for two years.

On May 21, 1965, she was united in holy matrimony to her soulmate, William Edward Rountree, who had been drafted in the United States Army in 1962. As a military family, they traveled extensively, living in Texas, Miami/Homestead, and Alaska before settling in Tacoma, Washington, in 1971.

Doris began her walk with Jesus Christ at an early age at First Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully sang in the choir. After the Military brought them to Fort Lewis in 1971, she united with the St. John Baptist Church where she served on the Finance committee attended the Fort Lewis Mission and was a dedicated member of the Senior Usher Board over50 years. For many years she was the Director and trainer of the Beginner Ushers (“my little ones as she affectionally called them”)

After settling in Fort Lewis/Tacoma, Doris resumed her college education at Tacoma Community College and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Puget Sound in 1974. She then acquired the position of Probation Officer, where she became the Second Black Probation Officer at the Ramon Hall Youth Detention Center. She retired in 2004 after 30 years.

During fun times, she enjoyed going on cruises with the Baxter Family and faithfully supporting her husband during his Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Conventions and other activities. In 1978 she became a Worthy Matron of the Olympic Chapter No. 2 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

A Time to Mourn

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Doris heard the voice of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by; Sister Lillie Mae Thorpe; Younger Brothers Willie “Bill” Arthur Thorpe and Samuel M. Thorpe. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving Husband William “Bill” E. Rountree of 61 years; Son Warrick (Edith), Grandchildren: Warrick II (Tachika), Devin (Joesa), Kai (Nick), Elliott (Cynthia), and Natasha (Steven) of Florida; Great-grands—Deeyon, Deeya, Deeyoni, Ava, Honor, Zoriah, and Sierra; Oldest Brother David Denmark (Reba) of Beachwood, Ohio; and Youngest Sister Alice Faye Thompson of Miami, Florida. She is also lovingly remembered by her husband’s Aunt Sallie Mae Simmons; Uncle Walter “Putney” Levell; Aunts, Mable Levell and Georgia Lee Thorpe, all of Miami, Florida; Goddaughter Lakesha (Tory) Hobson of Alabama; Nephew Anthony Thorpe of Atlanta, Georgia; and Nieces Belva Denmark Tibbs (Marc) of Beachwood, Ohio, Tangela McKinnon (Donnell) of Miami, Florida, Traci Allen of Atlanta, Georgia, Leslie Gindrow of Haymarket, Virginia, and Jennifer Willis of Miami, Florida; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.