Dr. Doris Borchert, Trailblazing Seminary Professor
Doris Ann BORCHERT, 88, a long-time seminary professor and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday morning, January 30, 2024, leaving behind her husband of sixty-four years, Dr. Gerald Leo Borchert, 91, a New Testament scholar.
Dr. Doris Borchert served as a Professor of Christian Education and Director of Supervised Ministry at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY, and the Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, FL.
A trailblazer in her role as a seminary professor, she served on faculties dominated by males. With her charm, grace, and commitment to her calling, she won over many students wary of a female seminary professor. Her Spiritual Formations classes were always filled quickly, and her students flocked to her office for her wise advice on difficult decisions.
“The story of Esther gives me courage to face things I don’t want to face,” Borchert told a reporter in 1996. “Her biblical witness has been a model for me and has challenged me where I need to be challenged.”
Doris Borchert was a graduate of Eastern College (now University), Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), and Andover Newton Theological School where she earned her doctorate. She traveled and taught in over sixteen countries and served the Baptist World Alliance on the Evangelism and Education Commission, and the Christian Education workgroup.
Born in West Chester and raised in Downingtown, PA, her faith commitment began at a young age. “I always wanted to do something in the church. However, I thought opportunities for women were limited to being a minister’s wife,” she once told a reporter.
Although her father encouraged her to go to secretarial school, her pastor funded the first installment of her college education. As she excelled in college, an astute professor took note of her gifts and abilities encouraging her to study Christian Education and to attend Eastern Seminary. It was there she met her husband who would become her partner in teaching generations of ministers.
In retirement, she organized and co-led Joyful Hearts, a senior adult group, for her church in Morristown, TN. At her new home in Wellsville, NY, she became a vibrant member of Grace United Church, where her daughter-in-law (and former student) serves as pastor.
Her family was the joy of her life. Through the years she cherished special times with her grandchildren, embracing the range of childhood adventures, from tea parties to fishing trips. From her travels she would bring them small treasures from around the world.
Doris Borchert is survived by her husband, Gerald Leo Borchert; her sons, Mark Gerald Borchert (Karen) and Timothy Walter Borchert (Angie Joseph);grandchildren, Elissa Anne Shults (Conly), Jessica Lynn Borchert, Seth Joseph Borchert (Sue), and Timothy William Borchert (Destiny); and great-grandchildren, Lacey Borchert, Serenity Borchert, and Soren Borchert; brother,Gilbert Walter Cox, Jr. (Barbara); and brother-in-law, Donald Marvin Borchert (Mary Ellen). She is preceded in her passing by her father, Gilbert Walter Cox, Sr.; and mother, Ruth Ann Rimel Cox.
Memorial Services will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street, Wellsville. Doris’s daughter-in-law, Rev. Dr. Karen Heil Borchert, will officiate.
Burial will be in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY. Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Church, P.O. Box 408, Wellsville, NY 14895.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
