Doris Orlee Stroman

Doris Orlee Shelton-Stroman, most affectionately known as “Nanny” was born June 9, 1932 in Richmond, VA to parents, Robert Milton Shelton, Sr. and Marian Johnson Shelton. Nanny grew up in the heart of historic Churchill (Ford Ave.) alongside two older siblings, brothers Robert Milton Shelton, Jr. And Calvin Frank Shelton.

Doris began her blissful life following the completion of obtaining a high school diploma at Armstrong in Richmond, VA. She pursued a continued education certificate in Practical Nursing in which she was awarded by the Medical College of Virginia in 1951. She began her professional career as pediatric nurse at St. Phillips Hospital (MCV), currently known as VCU Health Systems. Doris spontaneously traveled to New York City in 1953 where she obtained her Practical Nursing license and continued her career in nursing at a hospital in New York City. During her stay in New York, Doris met a gentleman named Arthur Stroman, whom she married and birthed two beautiful girls, Marian Denise Stroman and Juanita Laverne Stroman Lee. Doris returned to Richmond, VA in 1957 to raise her children and decided to step into a new career as a Teacher’s Assistant for Richmond Public Schools, where she serviced them for more than 30 years before retiring. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Doris, knew she was a dedicated Christian, church member and faithful tither to Good Sheppard Baptist Church, under the direction Dr. Paul Nichols (deceased), Bishop Rudolph McKissick, and current officiant, Dr. Sylvester Smith. She actively participated in the senior choir (30 years), served on the Ladies Auxiliary usher board, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the Young Women Christian League. Participation in organizations did not stop there as she also served as an active member of the “Golden Girls," an organization created by retired teachers within Richmond Public Schools System. Doris' (Nanny's) infectious spirit has touched many within the community.

Doris is preceded in death by her mother and father, Milton Sr. and Marian; brothers, Milton Jr. and Calvin; and husband, Arthur. The beloved matriarch leaves to cherish her daughters, Marian and Juanita; grandchildren, Dominique, Kurtshel, Robert and Anthony; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; God-son Larry Gettis; Kevin West, special son as she would say, both whom she loved dearly. She also leaves to cherish dedicated friends, notably Mrs. Juanita Smith, Barbara Neeb and James Dull, Mrs. Margaret Bates and Mrs. Phyllis Baskerville.

Doris leaves a legacy of life, love and more imporantly, wisdom which she never hesitated to share with anyone she met. She lived by "I'm blessed!" and invited everyone to be the same way!