Doris Sperry "Nana" Watlington

1927 - 2021

Doris Sperry "Nana" Watlington

July 5, 1927 - March 18, 2021

Mom was born Doris Ruth Sperry to Albert and Serena Sperry July 5, 1927 in Douglas, AZ. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery, Nov. 2008 and her husband, Chuck, March 2008. Throughout her almost 94 years, mom lived a rich and engaging life with her most significant role being a devoted wife to my dad, a committed mom to my brother and I (Bruce, wife Valerie), and an encouraging Nana to Matt (wife Barbara) and Jessica (husband Spencer).

Doris met her future husband in San Diego at a USO event where he asked her to dance. The rest as they say is history. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Chuck was stationed in San Diego at the time, while in the Navy. The couple dated for a while and after being discharged, Chuck traveled to Santa Barbara where Doris' family had recently moved.

The couple married and eventually landed in Ventura where they raised a family and thrived. In the 1950's at a time when it was not so acceptable to take a downs syndrome child out in public, Chuck and Doris took their oldest son, Jeffery, everywhere. They put no limits on Jeff's exposure to the world and because of this, he became the first downs child to enter public school in Ventura County. This attitude of acceptance, love and understanding affected Jeff in such a positive manner, that he became a happy energetic person who was outgoing and engaging himself during his full and rewarding life.

Doris has had a lifetime of championing people she's met and has befriended many with an accepting and nonjudgemental concern for others. This winning trait has caused her to be loved wherever she went, whether it was in her neighborhood of 54 years in East Ventura or at the Ventura Townehouse. Doris enjoyed meeting new people and made friends happily and easily. Someone commented to me recently that Doris never met a stranger.

Doris was very social throughout her entire life. She loved being a part of groups and teams of people. From playing mixed doubles on the tennis team at Ventura High School (and winning "The Ojai" Tennis Tournament with her partner) to dancing up a storm in 20/30 Club with dad and their friends, joining her Gourmet Club, Bridge Club, sitting as a Board member at the ARC in Ventura, being an involved Special Olympics mom, a PEO member or member of the Townehouse Walking Group, Doris was an involved and relational upbeat individual.

Doris loved her family and cherished so many people she got to know along her journey here. Although she may not have talked a lot about it, her faith in The Lord Jesus gave her great strength and peace about life's challenges. During the last few years, she often said she wasn't afraid of dying. Mom knew where she was going and she was so looking forward to seeing dad and Jeffery again.

We all miss you mom, but we are happy for you and cannot wait to see you again.

Due to COVID restrictions we are not able to have a memorial. Mom's remains were interred next to dad's and Jeff's in the rose garden at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Ventura.