February 7, 2024 at 2:25 p.m.
Doreen Empson, 99, Columbus
By Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home
Doreen Empson, 99, a resident of Columbus for 64 years, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, at Mt. Healthy Christian Village in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Doreen was born January 20, 1925, in Dunadry, Northern Ireland, the daughter of Ernest and Margaret Ash Smith. She became a United States citizen in 1965. On February 7, 1953, she married Howard Empson in Wimbledon, England. He proceeded her in death in 2017.
During WWII, Doreen was a nurse in a London hospital. Later on, she became the director of the dietary department at Bartholomew County Hospital, now Columbus Regional Hospital. She retired after 23 years of service. Doreen was a longtime member of New Hope Christian Church. She was also a member of the Cosmopolitan Club and a 50 year member of the Columbus Chapter Order of Eastern Star. Doreen enjoyed spending time knitting, traveling, and gardening. She will certainly be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her children, Sharman (David) Willmore of Cincinnati, OH, David (Sherree) Empson of Plainfield, IN; grandchildren, Erin (Michael) Peters of Georgetown, OH, Laura (Randy) Diebel of Wentzville, MO, Jonathan (Erica) Willmore of New Lisbon, IN, Emily (Robert) Drayne, of Winston-Salem, NC, Jenny Empson of Clayton, IN, Stephan (Kathy) Empson of Collegeville, PA, Stacey (Ben) Hamm of Columbia City, IN, Christie (Erik) DeMarco of Ft. Wayne, IN, David (Celine) Bain of Columbus, IN, Shannon (Robbie) Dailey of Hope, IN, Amanda (Matt) Dreyer of Greencastle, IN, Sara Empson, of Columbus, IN; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sana Smith of Antrim, NIR, Dorothy Empson Richards, Josephine Empson Brock, both of Brownstown, IN; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Howard Neil Empson; great-granddaughter, Olivia Doreen Willmore; brother, Ernest Smith; sisters, Isabel Bailey, Sara George, and Kathleen Dale.
The funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at New Hope Christian Church with David Empson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church.
Burial will take place at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the International Conference on Missions (theicom.org).
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Doreen’s family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
Caring and compassionate service provided to the Empson family by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
