Doris B. Harvin, who was a city public school educator for more than three decades and was also a longtime active member of Leadenhall Baptist Church, died Oct. 23 of Alzheimer's disease in the nursing center at Good Samaritan Hospital.
The longtime Hamilton resident was 76.
Born Doris Belle Ricks, the daughter of a laborer and a homemaker, she was one of eight children and was raised on York Street in South Baltimore.
After graduating from Frederick Douglass High School in 1952, where she was class valedictorian, Mrs. Harvin earned a bachelor's degree in 1955 in elementary education from what is now Coppin State University.
In 1965, she earned a master's degree in education from New York University. She also completed additional coursework in computer science, computer literacy, software applications and programming.
Mrs. Harvin began her teaching career in city public schools in 1955, and later joined the faculty of Gilmor Elementary School, where she taught math and English.
Mrs. Harvin eventually taught middle school before being promoted to a master teacher, where she supervised other teachers.
"She was a talented and enthusiastic career educator who was often consulted for her professional skills as a master teacher," said a daughter, Demetria P. Harvin of Frederick.
"Her extensive career included teaching on the elementary and middle school levels; assisting in curriculum development for the Baltimore public school system; and participating in both local and regional national conferences," Ms. Harvin said.
Mrs. Harvin also conducted workshops with parents in reading, mathematics and computer programs.
She also arranged demonstrations for principals, supervisors and educational specialists, and assisted in developing "a better teaching program for new teachers," her daughter said.
She was a longtime member of the citywide book selection committee and assisted in developing a variety of materials to be used as resource packets for parents. She was a former chairwoman of the Baltimore City Advisory Councils.
Mrs. Harvin also served as a computer instructor and directed the Baltimore City Computer Camp, a summer camp.
Frances M. Cockey was a longtime friend and city public school colleague.
"I first met her in 1969 at John Eager Howard Elementary School in the Model Cities Program, but I knew her family before that. I went to school with her sister, Edith," said Mrs. Cockey.
"Doris was dedicated, committed and knew the curriculum, and was a great role model for the teachers she supervised," she said. "She was a quiet person and had command of the children, who respected her. The principals and faculty did as well."
She said Mrs. Harvin was also a devoted friend.
"When my husband was ill in the hospital, she'd pack up a big bag of paperwork and stay in the hospital all day. She didn't just come for an hour," Mrs. Cockey said.
After retiring in 1990, Mrs. Harvin continued to work with city youths and served as a member of the Baltimore City Foster Care Board. She also was a public relations representative and host for the McDonald's Corp. in her Northeast Baltimore community.
She was a popular host of children's birthday parties, and for a number of years assisted Mrs. Cockey in her traveling historical exhibit, "My Grandmother's Trunk."
Since 1944, Mrs. Harvin had been an active member of Leadenhall Baptist Church, where she headed numerous committees, such as the missionary and courtesy committees and the Ware Life Line. She also served for a time as the Sunday school pianist.
She had also worked as a trustee aide at the church alongside her husband, Adger Harvin Jr., a Social Security Administration claims examiner, whom she married in 1961.
Rudy L. Daniel Sr., a longtime Leadenhall deacon, was also a close friend.
"She started there well over 60 years ago — she had come up as a child in the church. In fact, she was there before I was," he said with a laugh.
"Doris was a very good organizer and leader, and had a wonderful personality. She was on the committee that welcomed visitors and was one of our best," he said. "She was a great leader in her family, community and especially our church."
Mrs. Harvin was an accomplished needleworker and enjoyed photography, sewing, painting and calligraphy.
She also enjoyed hosting Wednesday morning bingo games for local senior citizens.
Mrs. Harvin was an avid world traveler and enjoyed attending her family's annual reunion held in Virginia.
"She always kept her suitcase and passport ready for domestic and international travel," her daughter said.
Services were held Friday at her church.
In addition to her husband and daughter, survivors include two sons, Adger Harvin III of Raleigh, N.C., and Ashley Harvin of Baltimore; and a brother, Wendell Ricks of Woodlawn.