Doris Christella Hoffmann

Doris Christella Hoffmann was born on May 23, 1938, to Ethel May and Frederick W. Brown Jr. in Elmira, New York, where she grew up with her parents and siblings. She graduated from high school in her hometown and later made the move to Rochester, New York. Her life was filled with love, as she connected with Roger McGruder, with whom she had two beautiful daughters, Kim and Cathy. Later in life, Doris met John Hoffmann, and their union brought her another daughter, Margot, and a son, Paul.

In the late 1960s, Doris decided to relocate her growing family to Denver, Colorado. Her mother eventually joined her there, providing invaluable support in raising her children and her niece, Michelle. Doris was fiercely dedicated to her family and took great pride in creating a warm and loving home for them all.

Education was a driving force in Doris’s life. She worked tirelessly to earn her associate degree from Denver Community College while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. She continued her studies, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in English from University College at Denver, all while working full-time. Her determination paid off when she became the first African American woman to join the Denver Chapter of the Secretary’s Club, a testament to her professionalism and commitment to her career. Doris went on to serve as an Executive Secretary in the U.S. Government’s Foreign Service Department, a role in which she was admired for her intelligence, hard work, and compassion.

Throughout her career, Doris had the unique opportunity to travel extensively, visiting over 42 countries while supporting the U.S. Ambassadors at various embassies around the world. This love of travel remained a passion even after she retired, alongside her hobbies of reading and indulging in fine dining.

Doris’s life was built on the foundation of love, kindness, and generosity. She was the matriarch of her family, nurturing and upholding family traditions and values that continue to resonate through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her calm and loving nature left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Doris’s legacy is carried on by her daughters, Kim, Cathy, and Margot, and by her grandchildren: Dionne Embry, Deetra Embry, Damion Roberson Rodney Akins, Chiedozie (CJ) Orji, Devon (Gwat) Egwauto Orji, Stephanie (Steph) Onyeoma Orji , Dewitt Wilburn, and Xavier Simpson. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Doris’s son, Paul, preceded her in death, as did her parents and her siblings, Ellen, Frederick (Buddy), Raymond, Vernon, Myrtle, Theodore (Teddy), Richard, and Shirley.

Those who knew Doris will forever remember her for her intelligence, her warm heart, and the many ways she touched the lives of those around her. Her legacy of love will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.