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September 2015
Doris Brenner celebrates 100 years Mother, teacher, scout leader, friend, these are just a few of the titles Doris Brenner has had over the years. Another way to describe her? Humble. She’ll tell you she’s “not that interesting,” but her life story says otherwise.
Doris graduated from Independence High School one year early and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the junior college honorary. She went to school with William Inge, and fondly recalls later watching “Picnic” and identifying which townspeople he’d portrayed. She couldn’t have known in her school days that he Doris Brenner would go on to become a famous playwright, but she did always know she wanted to be a teacher.
“I have a love of learning. I’ve always liked to read. I started quite young,” said Doris. Her love of learning continues to this day, as some of her favorite TV shows are Jeopardy and Cash Cab. She began her teaching career in 1934 after receiving her degree from Independence Junior College, and took a pause in 1937 when she got married and had children, Janice and Jim. She later did substitute teaching.
“My first job was as a country teacher at a school with all 8 grades in one room. Of course, I had to have a way to get to my job, so I bought a Model A. My girlfriend who lived two houses down had one, too. We both taught out in the country. Mine was tan, hers was red,” said Doris. Doris’ main interest was music, and that’s what she concentrated on in the classroom. Growing up, they had a piano, and even though it was Doris’ sister who was taking music lessons, Doris somehow figured out how to play the piano by ear. “It appealed to me. I was in the glee club in high school.” Doris was a very devoted mother, dedicating much of her time to children’s activities. She was assistant Brownie/Girl Scout leader and assistant to the Cub Scout den mother. She was also involved with DeMolay and Job’s Daughters activities, among many other things. “When I was in school, she was always willing to drive a car load of friends
Thinkstock photo
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