Doris Pauline Pilot Peak

Doris Pauline Pilot Peak of Cleveland, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 23, 2021, at The Belvedere of Westlake assisted living facility in Westlake, Ohio. She was 95 years old.

Doris was born on July 29, 1925, in Akron, Ohio to Clarence “CP” Pilot of Tennessee, and Hazel Pauline Keller Pilot of Circleville, Ohio. Doris was the oldest of four children.

Growing up in Akron, Doris attended West High School.  As a child her favorite pass time was reading books.  She loved reading books and going to school.  When most children were outside playing, Doris would be quietly hidden from view reading a good book. She attended Second Baptist Church in Akron where she held an outstanding attendance record for never missing Sunday School.

Doris attended college at the Historic Wilberforce University, America’s first private Historic Black College and University.  She had the distinct honor of attending Wilberforce at the same time the late great Leontyne Price, who was the first African American to become a leading performer at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.  When Wilberforce’s private and public-school sectors split apart, Doris enrolled in Cleveland State University in Cleveland, where she would meet her future husband, Howard L. Peak.

Doris was an excellent typist and made history when she was the first African   American to be hired to work for the Summit County Court in Akron.

On June 26, 1948, Doris and Howard married.  Doris gave birth to their only son Gregory Wayne on February 4, 1949.  It was at this time that Doris became a full-time mother and wife and spent her remaining years in the home.

Doris treasured taking summer vacations with Howard and Greg visiting different states and sightseeing.  She loved all kinds of festivities and social gatherings listening to Frank Sinatra with family and friends while enjoying good libation.  The Christmas holiday was her absolute favorite time of the year.

Doris is preceded in death by her husband Howard of 71 years, son Gregory, parents Clarence and Hazel, brothers Milton and Richard, sister Betty, and grandson Timothy.

Doris leaves behind her grandsons Geoffrey Wayne Peak and Jeremy Alexander Peak, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews and a lot of cousins.

Doris was adored by all and will be greatly missed!