Bethany, MO: Doris Irene (Meservey) Harryman passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home holding the hand of the love of her life on December 2, 2024.
Doris was born September 7, 1939, at her parents home on the Penney (Meservey) Farm in Chula, Missouri to Marshall and Alpha (St John) Meservey. Her “twin cousin” Velma was delivered 30 minutes earlier by the same doctor, but in different houses.
She graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1957 and then graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1961.
She met Robert Lee Harryman at Wesley Foundation at the University of Missouri - Columbia. They were united in marriage on June 16, 1962, at the Chula Presbyterian Church in Chula, MO. Mr. J.C. (James Cash) Penney was in attendance. Bob and Doris have been married for 62 years.
Together they moved nine times in nine years for Bob’s work. They lived in Fulton for 9 months, Lamar for one year, Mt Vernon for 15 months, Greenfield for one year, Crane for one year, Carthage for five years, Bethany for 53 years.
Doris worked at the University of Missouri Medical Center, Barton County Hospital, taught at Missouri Southern University School of Nursing, Crestview Nursing Home, and the Harrison County Health Department for 23 ½ years as a part of the WIC program. She loved certifying babies and discussing the benefits of breastfeeding to new mothers. Many times, mothers would call during supper time for help feeding their babies as our family was sitting down for supper, which we found to be humorous as she was dedicated to her job. Doris gave breastfeeding lectures at the state WIC conventions.
Doris was a member of the Nursing Honor Society at the University of Missouri - Columbia, Chapter BV of P.E.O. Sisterhood, United Methodist Women, Prayer Shawl Group, Bell Choir all of the Bethany First United Methodist Church, and a 53 year member of the Bethany First United Methodist Church.
Doris is survived by her husband Bob of 62 years. Daughter Tamara May “Tammy” (Tom) Pettijohn of Bethany, MO, Marsha Lee (Russ) Casebeer of Collinsville, OK, and Robert Warren “Rob” (Melanie) Harryman of Grimes, IA. Grandchildren Tommy (Caroline) Pettijohn of Kearney, MO, Tiara (Caleb) Brening of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Makenzi Casebeer of Kansas City, MO, Grant Casebeer of Collinsville, OK, Katie Harryman of Grimes, IA. Great-Grandchildren Claire and Nora Pettijohn of Kearney, MO. Doris is survived by her older brother Ralph (Sarah) Meservey of Chula, her “Irish” twin younger brother Jim (Ann) Meservey of Chula. She is survived by nieces and nephews Jocelyn, Jimmy, Gwendolyn, Steve, Bryan, Jerilyn, Joe, Crystalyn, Chris, Cathy and a multitude of great-nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her younger brothers Marvin and Irvin, her parents Marshall and Alpha Meservey.
After retiring from the Harrison County Health Department after her youngest grandchild was born, Doris’ focus was her family, traveling, serving others, playing bridge, reading, conversing with family and friends, Facebooking. Doris and Bob visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Haiti, went on 2 cruises with family, Mission Trip to Cat Island Bahamas, Heifer Project Mission Trip, Mission Trip to Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, at First United Methodist Church, Bethany, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in the Miriam Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.
