Doris Gene Flemons Tomlin

is honored with a Large Paver from Margie A. Flemons & Family

Doris Gene Flemons Tomlin graduated from Wichita State University in 1969 with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She went on to earn a master's degree from Kansas State Teacher's College (what is now Emporia State University) and was later accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Kansas.

While at WSU, Doris became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, did field work at the Wichita Institute of Logopedics, and marched for civil rights. In the late 1990's, she participated in the historic Million Man March which took place in Washington D.C.

Doris was a teacher for nearly 30 years. She taught Head Start and elementary school in Kansas and Missouri. She later made her home in Reston, Virginia where she taught in the Fairfax County Public School System. She started out as a classroom teacher and was later selected to work with at-risk math students as a Chapter I (later Title I) math specialist. She was known for her instructional and organizational skills. She organized math nights for parents at her school where her students demonstrated newly acquired math skills. Her math shows included "math magic" performed by her students. Her math nights were also designed to help teach parents how to assist their children at home.

Doris was known to work closely with colleagues to help make the Chapter I program at her school a success. She was an educator of the highes caliber. She consistently earned the highes rating, that of exemplary, on district teacher evaluations.

Doris was both creative and practical. She liked arts and crafts. She had a real knack for bringing new life to previously used items and for finding new ways to utilize them. She used this resourcefulness and creativity in her teaching. She would often spend hours making games and working on other learning activities for her students. Doris had tremendous insight and understood the importance of education. She touched many lives, both in and outside of the classroom. By example, she taught us lessons in courage, determination, and grace. She has made a real difference in the lives of her students, family, colleagues, and friends. Gene, as she was called by her family, enriched all of our lives. Strength, wisdon, a great sense of humor, and a wonderful smile and spirit --- these are some of the things that she was -- these are some of the things that we miss. Doris is a true heroine to those who knew her. Doris passed away in September of 1999 but her spirit lives on in our hearts. This contribution to the Plaza of Heroines is being presented by her family and friends, in loving memory of Doris Gene Flemons Tomlin.