Doris Ann Lawton

Doris Ann Lawton, a long time resident of Binghamton’s South Side, passed away on March 20 at the age of 94. Doris was a kind, caring, and hardworking person who loved people and laughter. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Doris was born in Sonestown, Pennsylvania, on March 17, 1929. As the oldest of the 6 children of Velma Walters and Elmer Eberlin, she was accustomed to being useful from an early age. In addition to being her mother’s chief helper, she did well in school, and held summer and part-time jobs from the age of 14. At the age of 18, Doris came to Binghamton in order to attend Ridley Secretarial School. She quickly got a job at the handkerchief counter of Kresge’s. After finishing at Ridley’s, she became a bookkeeper for WKOP and a part-time secretary for The Rotary Club. Her work was noticed, and she was offered a job as a society editor at the Sun Bulletin, Binghamton’s morning newspaper. There she met another reporter, E. William Lawton, the man she would marry in 1952. Within a few years Doris and Bill had two daughters, Nicole and Lesley, and had moved to a house on the south side of Binghamton. Bill had begun his career at The Binghamton Press, where he eventually became the Editorial Page Editor. Doris was a full-time mother who was also a Girl Scout leader, and president of the Abraham Lincoln School PTA. In 1965 Doris began working at The American Civic Association as a part time program director, planning the Many Lands Market. She became a full-time caseworker in 1970. By 1975, she had decided to finish her education. She enrolled at Harpur College, where she majored in history, and was proud to graduate with high academic honors at the age of 49. Following this, she became an employment counselor at the New York State Department of Labor, where she made many good friends, and worked until her retirement in 1991. After retirement Doris remained active. She prioritized family, friends, pets, and home. Among her greatest joys was time spent with her three granddaughters, Alex, Torie, and Genny. She was a loyal friend, who kept in touch with many people for years, and was also devoted to a series of adopted cats. She enjoyed reading, travel, and gardening, especially her annual display of spring bulbs. During her later years Doris was busy taking courses at Lyceum, where she met new friends, and was proud to teach a course on F. Scott Fitzgerald. She also very much enjoyed being a member of Binghamton’s Shakespeare Club, and served a term as club president.Doris is survived by daughters Nicole and Lesley; granddaughters Alexandra Shipley, Victoria Shipley, and Genevieve Shipley (Timothy Dehm); great grandson Angus Shipley-John; and by step-daughter Barbara Oberg and her family. She is also survived by sisters Joan Carlin and Nancy Eberlin, brother Roger Eberlin, and several beloved nieces and nephews. Doris was pre-deceased by her husband of 47 years, E. William Lawton, by her brothers Charles and Louis, and by brother-in-law Donald Carlin. The family is grateful for the kindness and care provided by the staff at Willow Point Nursing Home under challenging circumstances. A memorial gathering will take place at a later date. Contributions in Doris’s memory may be given to the Animal Care Council of Endicott, 131 Washington Avenue, Endicott 13760. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home.