Doris Attenridge Whalen

Doris Atteridge Whalen, age 104 years, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 14, 2022 in Gainesville, Georgia. Doris was born March 31, 1918, in Big Wells, Texas. The second child of Edward and Frances Atteridge of Lake Forest, Illinois, Doris had one older brother Glenn. The family soon moved back to Lake Forest which would be her home until she graduated from high school. Doris attended Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago, Illinois. There she received an Honorable Mention Award for her outstanding women’s fashion illustrations. After graduating Doris worked as a fashion illustrator for various publications in Chicago. She had a prolific career in fashion design and illustration which she practiced for many years to come.

In 1941, Doris married Merlin A. Hartlett, a chemist, and they resided in Bull Valley, Woodstock, Illinois. They had two children Jeffrey Charles (Jeff), and Susan Frances (Susan), Mr. Hartlett passed away after an extended illness. Several years later Doris moved to Long Beach, Indiana where she married Charles E. Whalen. A son, William Henry, was born to the couple a few years later. Mr. Whalen, a widower, also had four children of his own, Molly, Margie Ketria (Kitty), and Charles E (Gus) Whalen.

In time Mr. Whalen moved the family and his business (Warren Featherbone Co) to Gainesville, Georgia, strategically located in the textile and apparel region of the country. While raising a family Doris continued designing infant’s apparel (sold under the name ALEXIS brand) for the company. After the death of her husband Doris became President from 1969 to 1976, thereafter assuming control of all design operations. Her stepson Gus Whalen became President and CEO.

Doris was active in the Gainesville community, volunteering her time and energy wherever there was a need. As President of the North Georgia Yonah Girl Scout Council, she was instrumental in the founding of Camp Echoee Girl Scout Camp in the north Georgia Mountains. The camp was founded to promote camping and exploring the natural environment for Girl Scouts of all ages. Doris was a valued board member of the Gainesville area Salvation Army, doing whatever she could to promote the mission of the Army which is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination”. Doris was an early member of the Quinlin Art Center and enjoyed working in her favorite medium, watercolor. She was a very accomplished artist and had many artistic friendships, including the late Carole Jackson, John Kollock and Tony Couch, a well-known teacher of watercolor techniques. Doris was a charter member of The Commerce Club of Gainesville whose mission was to provide a networking opportunity for women in business in the Gainesville community. She was a founding member of the WT Investment Club holding many offices in the club. Doris loved to play bridge and enjoyed her weekly game with friends. Doris attended the Gainesville First United Methodist Church and enjoyed going to her Sunday school class as often as she could.

Doris’ mother was an accomplished pianist and Doris had a lovely singing voice which was often heard in the church. Above all Doris was devoted to the care of her family and was always available when needed. She was ever-present at family gatherings and supported the children’s recitals, sports events, birthdays, holidays and all special occasions.

Doris is survived by her children Jeffrey Whalen (Margaret), Susan Wood Swain (David), Bill Whalen (Megan), stepdaughters Molly Bastion and Ketria (Al) Huggard.

Doris was preceded in death by her stepson Gus (Nell) Whalen and stepdaughter Margie Whalen. Doris’s grandchildren are Mackenzie Whalen Anderson (Stuart), Kelsey Whalen Avery (Justin), Jeffrey Atteridge Wood (Marsha), Collin Patrick Whalen, step grandchildren Elaine Huggard Hershey (John), Katie Erickson (Jay), Franklin Huggard (Marie), Charles Whalen, Maryanne Whalen Campion (Kevin). Eight great grandchildren include Brooks Anderson, Oaklyn Avery, Charlotte Rose Wood and Teagyn Avery, step grandchildren Andrew Huggard, Ben Huggard, Mason Campion and Emory Campion.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2022, in the Chapel of the Gainesville First United Methodist Church 2780 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501.There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the ceremony.

The family would like to thank the staff of Homestead Hospice for their loving care of Doris.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to:  Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30501 or The Quinlin Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com