Virna Ruth Doyle

Virna Ruth Doyle, 83, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 29,2026. Born in Jackson, Mississippi on March 30, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Irvin Grant Alexander and Dora Buford Alexander. She was married to James C Doyle, Jr for 43 years. Virna was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her daughter, Jamie, and her parents.

She is survived by her son, Todd Alexander Doyle, and her sister, Elaine Lambert (Larry), and sister-in-law, Jeanne Sullivan (Danny).

Virna Ruth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from University of Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). She worked at Methodist Hospital Memphis as a laboratory technologist and a lab administrator for over 40 years.

Virna Ruth, affectionately known as “Sister” by many, was a Believer in Jesus Christ and a devoted mother to her two children, Todd and Jamie. She loved her animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, often rescuing strays to care for. She was an avid reader and found pleasure in the simple things in life. One of her favorite times during the week was going to Pilates with her instructor Marsha. Despite being a stroke survivor, she never gave up and always pushed herself to improve. She was an inspiration to others who knew her. She will be missed by many people.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at Memphis Funeral Home (Poplar) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with visitation at 1 pm and the service at 2 pm. Internment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.