Doris K. Wernsman

Doris Katherine Metzger, the daughter of the late George Dennis Metzger and Erma Ione Funk, was born on September 6, 1937, in Fayette County Illinois near the village of Shobonier. She died on October 20, 2024 at her home in Raleigh, NC. After her family left the family farm, Doris attended primary and secondary schools in Vandalia, Illinois. Upon graduation from Vandalia Community High School, she attended the Barnes-Jewish Nursing School in St. Louis, MO and received her registered nursing license in 1958. She then matriculated at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.

Doris married her high school sweetheart, Earl Allen Wernsman, in 1959. and the couple were married for 65 years. Their one daughter, Dana Kay Wernsman, was born in Lafayette, Indiana in 1962 where Mr. Wernsman pursued a graduate degree at Purdue University. Doris worked as a surgical nurse in hospitals in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and at Rex Hospital in Raleigh when the family moved to North Carolina in 1964. Her later years of employment were with EMSI as a physical examiner of applicants for life insurance programs.

Doris was active in Girl Scouts of America programs and served as a leader of a local troop. She loved flowers, ornamental plants, and gardening and was an active member of the Hills and Pines Garden Club of Raleigh for many years. She enjoyed participation in the North Carolina State University Women’s Club, and served in administrative roles including Club President, 2015 – 2017.

Doris was proceeded in death by her brother, Ronald Willet Metzger, and half-sibs, Thomas Dorsey Feller and Crystal Lynn Feller.

She is survived by her husband Earl Allen Wernsman, daughter Dana along with husband Bruce Young, and granddaughter Neeva Nicole Young.

A private memorial has been planned for her immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 4515 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Wernsman family.