Doris Hall Evans Curry, a genuine Pittsburgh “gem” turned 107 years of age June 1, 2021. This beautiful lady was born on June 1, 1914 in Magee Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of 12 siblings, born to Marguerite and Sellers Hall. Her father was a prominent businessman and talented pitcher for the renowned Homestead Grays baseball team. Mrs. Evans Curry remembers selling refreshments at those Negro League baseball games, held in various Pittsburgh ball fields.
Doris Hall Evans Curry attended Pittsburgh Public Schools and graduated from Schenley High School in 1930. After graduation, she worked as a stenographer at the Centre Ave., YWCA. Doris had always dreamed of becoming an English teacher. To pursue this dream, she enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh to begin her studies. After two years of college, she accepted a full-time position as a secretary for several administrators and the City County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. She continued her education, while working full time, attending day and evening classes at Pitt. In 1935, Doris Hall Evans Curry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a major in English from the University of Pittsburgh. However, her dream of becoming an English teacher was unrealized. She was told that she could not teach in the city of Pittsburgh, because of her color. In those days people of color were denied many such opportunities. Many well qualified, educated people of color had to relocate. However, Doris continued to work as a secretary in Pittsburgh because she was needed to help support her younger brothers and sisters. Eventually, as job opportunities increased, Doris advanced to the position of Manager, working at several public housing community locations, where she was able to contribute much needed help to those who lived in these areas of public housing. In 1978, Mrs. Doris Evans Curry retired after 35 years of employment, which gave her both satisfaction as well as renumeration.
Doris Hall Evans Curry had two successful marriages. In 1945, she married Staff Sgt. Robert Evans and three years later, they had one son, Robert Evans Jr. both preceded her in death. She thoroughly enjoys Robert Jr.’s family, her gorgeous granddaughter, Anasa Evans-Washington, grandson-in-law, Marlan Washington and her three great-granddaughters, Bria Sahlin, who lives in Sweden. Imani Washington and Kaia Washington, who reside in California. In 1983, Doris married William Curry, Sr., now deceased. She has two wonderful attentive stepsons, Robert Curry and William Curry, Jr. Doris has a special niece, Leslie Chambers, who is always available, when needed. She would visit her often and bring necessities, as well as treats. Doris considers Ms. Chambers as her “guardian angel”. Doris is survived by her four beautiful sisters and baby brother, Wanda Smith, Nedra Miller, Marilyn “Jo Jo” Austin, Elizabeth Waters and Dr. Daryl Hall. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Malcolm Hall, David Hall and Ronald “George” Hall. Doris is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held at the Allegheny Cemetery on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 11am.
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