Doreen Ferguson's Obituary
Doreen X Ferguson
July 17th, 1956 - December 28th, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, auntie, friend,
and mother, Doreen X Ferguson. With an abundance of peace in her heart, she passed on
December 28th, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
Doreen was born on July 17th, 1956, at then Madigan Army Hospital, now known as Joint
Base Lewis McChord in Tacoma, Washington, by her mother Willie O’Neal Ferguson and
father Richard B. Ferguson Sr.
Early in life, Doreen quickly learned to embody her father's gentle love and her mother's
larger-than-life tenacity. She was a self-proclaimed “daddy's girl.”
As a military child, Doreen’s early years were formed in Paris France and Germany before
returning State Side to reside in Tacoma, WA. She attended Mason Middle School, Stadium
High School and the University of Washington in Seattle.
Doreen is survived by her siblings, older brother Richard Ferguson Jr. DDS and younger
sister Dian E. Ferguson, MPA. She was a staple in her siblings and their children's lives,
nephews, Richard, Elliott, William and Alex. Doreen always ensured family had what they
needed. All share many wonderful and joyous memories together. They will miss Doreen
greatly.
Doreen’s happiest moment in life came on June 20th, 1985, in Tacoma, Washington, when
she gave birth to her son, Isaiah James Ferguson. Coming home from the hospital, Isaiah
was introduced to his oldest cousin Richard, followed by Elliott and later his cousins
William and Alex.
Early on, Doreen instilled many things in Isaiah, the importance of hard work, being good
with your hands, and the love of family. She always adored sharing a close relationship with
Isaiah. They were inseparable in nature and rooted in love and caring for one another.
Doreen cultivated a special bond with her only son, Isaiah, deeply rooted in love and
compassion; a bond only a mother can know.
Doreen was equally passionate in her faith, her relationship with the Lord and service in her
church. As a young child, she was often called upon to express her love for God through
song as a child soloist. She continually sang songs of praise and celebrated the gift of song
to others throughout her life. Doreen delighted in studying her Bible, teaching the word, and
living a life denoting, kindness, generosity and love towards others expressed by donating
her time and resources to help those in need especially those less fortunate.
She worked for years as a volunteer with World Vision to send food and clothing to people
around the world as well as in her own community. Hard work and Doreen have been well
acquainted for many years. Growing up, she was very involved in helping her father with the
upkeep of the family rental business and rental properties.
Known as a good worker in the family business and in her various professions she was even
better known from an early age for being frugal and saving her allowance, a practice she
continued throughout her life. It was Doreen to whom her siblings and friends would go to
when in need.
Doreen, the beauty queen was also a skilled “Do it yourself” hands on carpenter, and
plumber, who loved mowing the lawn, gardening, and working outside. These passions she
proudly attributes to her father who spent many wonderful years living and working on his
relative’s farm in Buffalo New York.
Doreen utilized these handy trades skills to become one of the first female heavy
equipment operators at the Boeing Company rising in her position there to represent her
Union as the Shop Steward. As she aged, she utilized another skill set transitioning from
being a Shop Stewart and Heavy Equipment Operator to work for engineers in the Engineer
library. There she stored and filed important documents and engineering drawings. After
many reputable and impactful years served more than 40, Doreen retired from Boeing.
During her time at Boeing, Doreen impacted many lives and formed important and lifelong
relationships with friends who became family who would be there for her until her last
days.
Doreen’s son Isaiah and her family are grateful to this “family” who over the past several
weeks, have shown overflowing love and support towards her, Isaiah, her siblings and their
children.
To call Doreen a daughter, a sister, a mother, an auntie, or a friend was truly a gift. To honor
that gift, we will continue to strive to be the embodiment of a person who lives life with the
same compassion, intention to do right, and love for our neighbors that Doreen did. A
lifetime shared with Doreen somehow does not seem long enough; we will miss her greatly.
Doreen has been warmly greeted and received in heaven by both of her parents.
Thank you for being a part of Doreen's journey and thank you for loving her the same way we
know she loved each of you
What’s your fondest memory of Doreen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Doreen?
Share a story where Doreen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Doreen you’ll never forget.
How did Doreen make you smile?