Daris L. Small

Dr. Daris Lee Small, 93, passed from this life to Heaven at her home Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. She was born in Martinsburg, the youngest of three children to Orman L. and Hester D. Butts in 1928.

She grew up in Martinsburg, graduating in 1946. She married the love of her life Richard E. (Dick) Small in 1946. In 1960, she entered Kings Daughter’s School of Nursing and worked at the Martinsburg Hospital School of Nursing as an Instructor from 1964 until 1972 when the program closed. During that time she received a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Minor in Sociology from Shepherd College in 1970.

She began her twenty-four year tenure at Shenandoah University (Winchester) in 1972 as instructor of their Two Year Registered Nurse program. While there she attended the University of Maryland’s Master of Clinical Nursing program, switching her education major to Counselor of Education at James Madison University graduating in 1974. She enrolled in West Virginia University’s Nursing Administration and Education program graduating as Doctor of Education in 1985.

Dr. Small was instrumental in bringing classes for Marymount University’s Nursing Program to Shenandoah University which also resulted in a successful Family Nurse Practitioner program.

She began the Midwifery, Physical Therapy (first graduating class in 1993), and Occupational Therapy (first graduating class in 1996) programs and took over supervision of the Respiratory Therapy program. In 1990, Dr. Small received the Wilkin’s award for Exceptional Service to the University. In 1993, she was named Distinguished Professor of Nursing by Shenandoah University’s President Tracy Fitzsimmons and the Board of Trustees. During her time there she served as Director of Nursing, Dean of Nursing, Dean of Allied Health, and Dean of the combined Nursing and Allied Health Professions providing strong leadership to all students enrolled in the health programs. The current Dean’s Suite on main campus is named for Dr. Small, Dean of the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing 1984-1996.

She retired from Shenandoah University Full Professor Emeritus in 1996 to care for her husband who had suffered a stroke.

Daris was a lifetime member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Martinsburg, attending their services via the internet since March 2020 when the COVID-19 Pandemic began.

Daris was an avid reader, shared her life with beloved German Shepherds, shared a passion for sailing with her husband, enjoyed her flower gardens, and expressed her love of Family and Friends through her cooking and baking. She spent hours daily reading and studying the Bible and faithfully watching her favorite religious programs.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Dick Small in 2004; her parents and her brothers Guy and Paul Butts.

Daris is survived by her devoted, loving children Richard S. (Scott) Small, wife Kim, and daughter Cindy Kelley. Also four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial services will be graveside 1 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 27, 2021, at Rosedale Cemetery, 917 Cemetery Rd, Martinsburg with Pastor Lynn Wilson of Calvary United Methodist Church officiating.

Memorial contributions in Daris’ honor can be made to the Dr. Daris L. Small Scholarship Fund at Shenandoah University available to students enrolled in their Health Profession Programs; Office of Advancement, Shenandoah University, 1460 University Dr, Winchester VA 22601 or Calvary United Methodist Church, 220 W. Burke St, Martinsburg WV 25401.