Doris Jean Sumner Mowe, 87, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Doris Jean was born April 6,1934 in Mobile, AL to Dr. Issac and Hattie Sumner. She was a 1951 graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile. She attended The University of Alabama where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. Doris Jean married Wayne Thomas Mowe in 1952. They were married for 43 years and had four children together: Mike, Kelly, Lauren, and Cliff. The family moved to Pensacola in 1959, and it became home. She ultimately earned her college degree at the University of West Florida with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in January of 1975 and completed a master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Florida in May 1984. Doris Jean taught Kindergarten at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church for 5 years and taught second grade at Longleaf Elementary school for 23 years. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and was once honored as Teacher of the Year at Longleaf Elementary.

Doris Jean was the epitome of a strong, classy, southern woman, and she could light a room up with her sweet smile. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, antique shopping (or honestly…any kind of shopping), playing games, dancing the jitterbug, cheering on the Crimson Tide, and singing in the senior church choir. She was an active member of the Pensacola Garden Club for years and was always thrilled to share her incredible garden with others. She was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church Pensacola for around sixty years. There she volunteered in various children's ministries, including Sunbeams and Vacation Bible School, and she taught children's Sunday School for over fifty years. Children always looked forward to being in her Sunday School class because of the fun and creative art projects she partnered with the lesson. Her creativity was also seen in her monthly table decorations for Leisure Timer gatherings at the church. Doris Jean loved Jesus and therefore loved and cared for others in many ways. She had a special place in her heart for the boys and girls in children's homes and for years found ways to love and serve them.

Doris Jean has been surrounded by the most amazing group of friends for as long as we can remember. From her dinner group to her dominos crew, to her fellow teachers, and so many others, she had the most wonderful time walking through this life with the greatest of friends. She was so thankful for these friendships and talked fondly of them constantly.

Doris Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her face would radiate joy when talking about her family, and she treasured the moments the entire family could sit around her dining room table and share a meal. She doted on all of us and spoiled us silly. The traditions and legacy she built in our family will continue to shine brightly.

Although we are currently grieving the immense hole Doris Jean's passing leaves behind, we are also incredibly grateful for the many years we had her in our lives. She was the most beautiful blessing to our family, and she will be missed beyond what words can express. One thing we undoubtedly know is that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Doris Jean lived out her faith, and we know she was greeted in Heaven with the beautiful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Doris Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Issac and Hattie Sumner; her sister, Janice Cosby; and her sons, Mike Mowe and Kelly Mowe.

She is survived by her daughter, Lauren Johnson and husband, Mike, of Pensacola; her son, Cliff Mowe and wife, Dana, of Pensacola; her grandchildren, Christin Burkhalter and husband, Thad, of Marion, AR; Leanne McLeod and husband, Matt, of Pensacola; and Mitchell Johnson of Savannah, GA: her great grandchildren, Sumner McLeod, Sanders McLeod, Porter Burkhalter, and Rhett Burkhalter who all affectionately knew her as GiGi; as well as survived by her sister, Harriett Rowell and husband, Bert, of Birmingham, AL.

The family will receive friends, 10:00am until the Funeral Service to begin at 11:00am Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the main sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Pensacola on Palafox Street, where we will celebrate Doris Jean's amazing life. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park on Scenic Highway.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to O.J. Semmes Elementary School in Memory of Doris Jean Mowe, 1250 E. Texar Dr., Pensacola, FL 32503.

The family would like to thank The Haven of Our Lady of Peace staff who showed incredible love and kindness to Doris Jean in her final days.