Doris Jean Hanger Walkup

Doris Jean Hanger Walkup, age 74, passed away on January 2, 2022. Born on August 14, 1947, in Waynesboro, VA, she was the youngest daughter of the late Boyd and Thelma (Knicely) Hanger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Margaret Rhodes and her husband Fred, and Charlie Hanger.

Doris retired from the Charlottesville City School system in 2012. While there she worked as a teacher assistant, afterschool assistant, and substitute. Before working with the city schools, she was employed by Albemarle County Schools. She developed many friendships with her colleagues that continued through the years after retirement. Doris enjoyed catching up with them over wine and her famous cheeseball. She loved working with all her students, but special needs children held a special place in her heart.

Her love for special needs children led her to become a counselor during the summer at Camp Rainbow Connection, a weeklong camp for special needs adults. Camp Rainbow Connection was her “happy place” where she helped to make the week a magical one for the campers. She loved all aspects of camp, but we think her time spent with the campers in cooking class may have been some of her favorites. The lifelong friends she made along the way were always close to her heart. She considered them family.

Doris is survived by her three children, Tim Walkup (Andrea), Jim Walkup, and Penny Guy (Cabell) of Charlottesville, VA; her greatest joys, her five grandsons, JT Cote of Nashville, NC, Jacob, Sam, and Charlie Walkup, and Nicholas Guy, all of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law, Kay Hanger of Waynesboro; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mom was wheelchair bound the last seven years. We are grateful to Innovage PACE for the years they gave Mom care and support to remain independent. When her health declined, she became a resident at Autumn Care of Madison. The love, care, and compassion she received from all of the staff was impeccable. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

The family would also like to thank the physicians and nurses at Culpeper Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion during her final hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Camp Rainbow Connection. Checks made payable to VAUMC with CRC in the memo line sent to Camp Rainbow Connection; PO BOX 5606; Glen Allen, VA 23058.

Services will be planned at a later date when we are able to come together safely, enjoy a meal, and share memories with each other.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com