Bee died peacefully at home in Oak Harbor Oct. 15, 2004, with her husband, Cmdr. Sherman C. Black, personal assistant, Rhonda Mudder, and special angels of help, Jean P. Hamer and Carrie Dickinson, by her side.

Bee was born in Yakima Oct. 17, 1914, to Raymond O. and Bernice Doust-Breiding. She attended schools in Newhalem and Seattle. She graduated high school in 1931 in Cloverdale, Calif. Bee received a nursing degree from Virginia Mason School of Nursing with a registered nurse certification in 1934.

Bee was a determined athlete and accomplished musician. She trained for the Olympic swimming team as a youth, played varsity high school basketball and tennis. She played violin with the Seattle Symphony Youth program at age 13 and was concert mistress (first chair violin) at numerous recitals. Theater was a huge part of Bee’s life. Sherman’s Navy career took them to many locations around the world where Bee would help organize theatrical troupes as well as acting, directing or designing sets to insure the show would go on. Bee was also highly instrumental in establishing and promoting Whidbey Community Theater, now known as Whidbey Playhouse.

Bee enjoyed the outdoors, fishing in Canada and bird hunting in Eastern Washington as well as snowmobiling.

Bee volunteered her time with many organizations including: Oak Harbor High School, as the mentor for the debate team and assisting with the drama, speech and English departments; Kairos Prision Ministry Cursillo Movement; Whidbey General Hospital Polly Harpold Guild, Whidbey Playhouse and Naval Academy Theater.

Bee married Dr. William V. King in 1935 and had two beautiful children, Peter and Lucinda Jean. Bee married Sherman C. Black May 3, 1943. Their love affair including 61 years of marriage. It took them on adventures around the world with Sherman’s Navy career. Bee was recognized for her endless energy and love for the life.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Cmdr. Sherman C. Black; daughter Lucinda Mitchell of Auburn, granddaughter Lisa Turley, son-in-law Ray Turley and two great-granddaughters, Lauren and Megan Turley, all of Orting.

Bee’s mother, father, sister and son Peter preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor. A celebration of her life will follow in Centennial Hall.

In lieu of flowers, make memorials to Home Health and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital or a favorite charity.