Doris R. Jones (98) of Sherman, formerly of St. Elmo

Doris R. Jones, 98, of Sherman, formerly of St. Elmo, died at 6:23 PM Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Villa East in Sherman, IL.

Doris was born Saturday, April 5, 1919 in Avena Township, Fayette County, IL to Albert S. and Ottie (Evans) Guthrie. She lived in St. Elmo for most of her life before moving to Villa West Assisted Living in Sherman, in October, 2016 to be near her daughter.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 23 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in St. Elmo, with Pastor Dan Laack and Ethan Jones officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 AM until time of service at the church. Interment to follow in Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo. The family suggests memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church of St. Elmo, 215 North Walnut, St. Elmo, IL 62458, or charity of donor's choice. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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The family would like to extend our deep gratitude to the staff of Villa West and Villa East, and to Avalon Hospice for the excellent care given our mother.

After graduating from St. Elmo High School in 1937, she briefly attended Eastern Illinois University, but returned home to help support the family, working for Fairchild Grocery and the local gas company. On June 1, 1941 she married the love of her life, Howard E. Jones. They were married for 53 years before his passing in February of 1994. Doris loved her family, friends, church and her community. She had a gift of humorous writing, and this gift was especially apparent when friends and family were the recipients of her limericks included with a special occasion gift. She was also known for her humorous compositions in the yearly banquet programs for the St. Elmo Alumni Association. She was a member of the St. Elmo Century Culture Club, a 60+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star, and a 86 year member of the St. Elmo United Methodist Church where she was actively involved in the 'Vit-em-in' Sunday School Class, served on several committees and sang in the choir for over 50 years. She also was responsible for the weekly message on the church outdoor message board for over 35 years. Doris was an excellent seamstress, cook, loved traveling, and a good laugh. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Orpha Fairchild, Ralph Guthrie, and her twin brother Morris (at age 95).

Doris is survived by a daughter, Janet (Richard) Coe of Mechanicsburg, a son, John Howard (Nicki) Jones of Temple, TX, grandchildren Julie (Mark) Shelby of Sherman, Jason (Pam) Coe of Illiopolis, Maggie (Bill) Goodwin of St. Elmo, Abby (Todd) Kreke of Effingham, Ethan (Cady) Jones of Vandalia, and Kori Meier of Temple, TX, and special nephews Dr. Donald Fairchild of Denver, CO, and David Fairchild of Shawnee, KS. She is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.