Mary Elizabeth Doakes, 82, of Ranson, went home to be with the LORD on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

She was born on May 22, 1936, to Harriett Elizabeth Dotson and Beverly D. Taylor, Sr.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children; twins, Stefanie and Stefan Doakes and

Arthur C. Doakes, II.

Mary was a member of Wainwright Baptist Church.

She was educated in Jefferson County and attended the historic Page-Jackson School.

After her high school graduation, Mary enrolled in a teaching program at Storer College. After the college closed its doors in 1955, she transferred her credits to Shepherd College (University) and graduated cum laude earning a bachelor's degree in 1957. Furthering her education she enrolled in Michigan State University,  transferring her credits to West Virginia University where she earned her Master's degree in Elementary Administration in 1963. After completing her education, Mary began to teach at Eagle Avenue Elementary School.

In 1971 she was promoted to assistant principal at Charles Town Junior High School. In Feb. 1974, she became the first black administrator in Jefferson County, where she was promoted as the principal of Charles Town Junior High. She held that position until her retirement in 1989.

She is survived by one granddaughter, Elizabeth M. Doakes, one  grandson, Arthur C. Doakes, III (Ahreum); brothers, Dr. Bernard F. Taylor,

Shirley E. Taylor (Mary); James L. Taylor (Dorothy), and Samuel P. Taylor (Doris) and several nieces, nephews and a large number of cousins.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions  may be made to Page-Jackson High School Alumni, C/O Lorraine Stanton, 722 Acorn Circle, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.