Doris Bernice (Akerholm) Hoover

Doris Bernice Akerholm Hoover, 97 years young, passed away on April 7, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery, 6000 West Gate City Blvd., in Greensboro on Thursday, April 14, 2022. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the graveside service at Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel, 6000 West Gate City Blvd., in Greensboro from 1:00 until 2:00 pm.

Our mother was one of the last of a generation, “The Greatest Generation”, as many have called them. Strong willed; determined; resilient; with love of country and love of family.

Born October 1, 1924 she was the last child born to the William “Will” Julius Akerholm and Minnie Nina Childs. On the day of her birth, she was the first; her twin sister, Delores unfortunately was stillborn. At times, her older siblings accused her of receiving special treatment because of her birth order. There were times when it could be heard, “Just think there might have been two of her!” That comment always brought laughter but not necessarily from her.

Mom grew up on a farm. A dairy farm in northern Ohio. Cows and chickens to feed. Time spent weeding the garden. Helping her mom with chores whatever they were. Farming is tough work. School, yes, a one-room school house up the road a bit and then to high school. She must have had an ear for music and a bit of rhythm because, yes, they did have a Jefferson High School marching band, even back then. Clarinet was her instrument of choice. Completed high school and became as assistant to

Dr. Waters at his dental practice.

We think, but aren’t completely sure that story goes like this: Our father’s older brother, Harold, was a good friend of mom’s older brother Morris. So, our dad met mom. Must have been a good first date. On May 2, 1944 Doris Bernice Akerholm married Corporal Arlo K. Hoover. Short honeymoon and then dad was back to camp for more training. He shipped out for Europe November 15, 1944, WWII. Mom changed professions and went to work for the True Temper Co. where she spent her time manufacturing bayonets and machetes for our soldiers. War ended and dad came home February 16, 1946.

Just outside a small town in northern Ohio named Kingsville, mom and dad built their first home. Built meaning, with their own two hands. Digging footers; laying cinder block; the wiring; the plumbing. This home was just down from the Hoover farm and a short drive from the Akerholm farm. Mom had told herself that she wanted to have all her children by the age of 30. Mission accomplished. Ken was 1st then Larry, then Brad. No girls, just boys. But, mom knew and said that one day there would be daughters-in-laws and granddaughters. Surprise, surprise, mom never thought she would live to be old enough to see great-granddaughters.

In 1962 the Hoover family moved south to High Point, NC. Often mom remarked leaving the house they built and their families had been hard but the move was a good decision. Quick to make friends and mom grew to appreciate North Carolina more each year, especially in winter. However, she never embraced grits, no matter who or how they were made. Sweet tea, was not to pass her lips. “Y’all” really never made it into her vocabulary.

For many years mom raised her sons in the way they should go, even though an occasional stray step just may have occurred. Work, work, work! Mom was a true Wolfpacker. Mom and dad were extremely proud that their three sons had each earned a college degree. All three are NC State grads.

Becoming an empty nester mom went back to work. Finally, she retried shortly after the love of her life retired. They talked about taking a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River. Life is short; without warning, the man she had built a life with passed away at 69. For the next 30+ years mom, strong, determined, seemingly to be tireless lived independently until a few years ago. Always busy, always knowing and caring about her family.

Mom’s membership in the “Greatest Generation” ended April 7, 2022. So many stories could be and will be shared in the years to come about her life. Our mother’s wishes were spelled out quite clearly to the family. Those wishes have been honored. Mom will be missed but not forgotten.