It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Precious Mother, Doris Virginia East, of Pocomoke City, Md, on November 5, 2026.

Born and raised in Girdletree, Md, she was the daughter of the late William (Bill) Dukes and Niva Williams. Her beloved husband John Dewey East, Sr. (JD) passed away in 2002. Also preceding her was her stepfather, Elmer Lee Williams and a mother and father in-law, Leroy and Beatrice East. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Lynn (Dean) Stutsman; and her son, John Dewey East, Jr. (JD), all of Pocomoke, City. At a young age she worked at home for her siblings and mother as her father died when she was young. She cleaned, cooked and washed clothes and hung them out in freezing weather. At 16 she would walk from the high school uptown to work at Silco to make money to buy her clothes and a guitar she wanted. At the young age of 17, all in one year, she met JD taking guitar lessons, they fell in love, were married, she obtained her GED and 11 months later had a baby girl. Four years later she had a baby boy. Virginia's life isn't defined by degrees or possessions; her life was about unconditional love and sacrifices. She worked many years at the Acme market and worked on the farm alongside JD. Together they built a life full of faith, love and hard work on the farms so that us children could reap their sacrifices. Their marriage was a testimony to commitment, patience and enduring companionship. She enjoyed the holidays and was a great decorator. She made sure our Christmases were so very special. In her school days she was a great dancer and would win contests doing the jitterbug. Before her strokes she loved to bowl and loved the ladies she bowled with. She had a deep love for animals and babies as her heart would always melt when she held them in her arms. She was a youth choir director in her younger years at her childhood church and did nursing home ministry at the Hollands Nursing Home. She sang in various churches on the Eastern Shore for many years with her mother and friend, Mary Anne Culver. She even sang the National Anthem at the Shore Birds stadium.

No one could cook like Mom. Her hands and cast-iron frying pans made thousands of delicious meals that would melt in your mouth. She faithfully cooked 3 meals a day on the farm growing up and everyone was welcome at her table. For 70 years she faithfully made her jellies and jams and with her generous heart would share them with people that needed food. The past two years her strokes made it so she could no longer do them. Mom always looked young and pretty and aged gracefully. She dressed like a fashion plate and made sure her children were dressed in the finest. She worked extra hours to make sure we had everything we needed in school and in life. She gave her time, her strength, her wisdom, and her heart freely to those she loved. Moms unconditional love for us and her courageous spirit in every endeavor in life made us the persons we are today. She boldly yet gracefully would tell you her opinion no matter what in any given situation. She always would tell us she loved us and she meant it. She met life head on and her unwavering faith in our LORD remained the cornerstone in her life Thanks to the dedicated team members of Coastal Hospice and to all our friends and neighbors who brought food, sent a card, visited and above all, prayed. Virginia’s life is a testament of having bold honesty, a generous heart, hard work, devotion, strength, kindness, unconditional love for her children and her Love for her LORD and Savior. Until we meet again, Mom, rest with the angels and our Lord. Your memory will be cherished forever. In accordance with Virginia's wishes, no formal services are planned. The children have said their goodbyes in a quiet, personal way. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband in Quinton Cemetery.

To honor her memory, please donate to a local charity of your choice.