Charlotte Observer
Charlotte, NC
December 8, 2005

Deborah Lakin Doster

Mrs. Doster, beloved by her family and all who knew her, passed away
peacefully in her sleep December 2, 2005 at her home in Charleston, WV.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edgar Lakin. She is survived
by her husband, Larry Doster of Charleston, WV; her mother Dorothea
Lakin, brother Christopher Lakin, nephews Andrew and Patrick Lakin -
all of Charlotte; her cousins Susan Feenstra and Mary Ann Coughlin, both
of London, Ontario, Canada; and her sister-in-law Audrey (Lynn) Lakin
of Charlotte. Deborah was born June 1, 1951 in Norwalk, Connecticut,
but grew up in Charlotte. As a very young child, she underwent a new
life-saving procedure for 'blue babies' championed and developed by the
pioneer of pediatric cardiology, Dr. Helen Taussig, her doctor at Johns
Hopkins University.  Deborah graduated from Myers Park High in 1969 and
from Meredith College in 1973. She then taught elementary school briefly
in Morehead City and Charlotte before marrying Larry in 1979 and moving
to Charleston, West Virginia where her career spanned twenty years, and
affected the lives of hundreds of children in a wonderfully positive way.
Deborah quietly lived through much hardship, not with complaint but
with beautiful grace, patience and humility. She unfailingly shared
her bright soul with us, but asked for nothing in return. Hers was
a truly unconditional love. Our loss of this angel will certainly be
heaven's gain.  There will be a private interment ceremony in Charlotte
on Saturday, December 10 followed by a public memorial service at 2:00pm
at Christ Episcopal Church 1412 Providence Rd. Receiving will follow
at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to Meredith
College [indicate 'in memory of Deborah L. Doster' on the check] ,
3800 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27612.