Christine Docter

Bernadette Christine Docter departed from this world on January 25, 2026. Her life reads like a storybook. She directed her life to follow and create beauty with anything she created. “Tina”, as she was called by all those who knew her, made it look easy. She loved the world of beautiful things and was drawn to the sparkle she saw in diamonds and other fine gems.

Tina was born in 1949 to Edwin Doctor and Virginia Morris, both from East St. Louis, Illinois. Like many creative people. Tina could do many things well. Without taking so much of a single art lesson, she designed and painted a huge 10-foot canvas mural entitled “Jacob’s Ladder.” It depicted the discovery of DNA, an astounding event at that time. It was one of her proudest accomplishments of her time.

Tina showed an aptitude at identifying various gemstones and rock types. Department stores like Jacobson’s and Maas Brothers found that her knowledge of precious stones were areas that could be expanded upon in their stores. Tina and another salesperson were given the prized location of their jewelry department at the front of the store, highlighting all the jewelry around them. It was an impressive entrance.

Jacobson’s Department Store hired Tina to head up their new Jewelry department store in Osprey. Tina thrived in this environment. During her 13-year stint at Jake’s as their Sales Manager for Fine fashion and Jewelry, she was promoted three times as the top selling manager, and she surpassed everyone’s expectations by achieving the company’s Bronze President’s Circle Award.

Tina moved on to help Coffrin’s Jewelry store in Sarasota. Owner Terry Coffrin urged her to study and become a certified gemological appraiser of precious colored stone and diamonds. Tina took his advice, and on Sept. 22, 2007, she earned the Gemological Institute of America’s training as a certified graduate in Colored Stones, and as a certified GIA Graduate in Diamonds. She acted as Coffrin’s Chief Jewelry Appraiser for several years before retiring.

Her life reads like that of a blessed soul. Tina Docter will always be remembered by her friends of how special she was. She was always genuine and true. Her close friends describe her wonderful talents where her gifts were her gentle friendship and her ironic humor. We will always feel that love whenever she is near. May God bless you, Tina. Thank you for all the ways you enriched our lives with your graceful manner.

For those of you who knew Christine personally, our Celebration of her Life will be at the Morgan Center, 6207 West Price Blvd., North Port, FL 34291 on Wednesday, April 8, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. This is a wonderful time to visit and meet others to honor her memory.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida www.stephensonnelsonfh.com