Obituary
In Loving Memory
Doris Elaine Moody Werries, 87, died Sunday, March 24, 2024 at home in Lake County, Florida. She was born November 15, 1936, in Chapin, Scott County, Illinois, the daughter of Austin and Jeanette Vortman Moody. Those left to mourn her passing are daughter Lisa Lorraine Werries Hillan (husband John) of Alton, England, and their children Emily Joyce and David Christopher; daughter Jennifer LeAnn Werries Thomson (husband Scott) of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, and their children Marissa Taylor Thomson Spears (husband Grant), Joshua Scott, and Zachary James; one brother, Byron James Moody (wife Anita) of Chapin, Illinois; and nieces and nephews in Illinois, North Carolina, and Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wendell Austin Moody, her sister Jacqueline Jane Thorndike, and her brother-in-law Dale H. Thorndike.
Doris was a passionate advocate for academics, music, and helping young adults throughout her life. She graduated from Chapin High School in 1954, having completed all of the upper-level courses offered within only three years. In 1957, Doris then completed her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education (with a focus in music) from Illinois State Normal University within three short years. An accomplished musician, Doris could play piano by ear, organ to professional standard, and all brass and woodwind instruments. While continuing to study full time, at the age of 19, Doris started teaching music. In 1959, Doris completed her Master’s Degree of Education for Guidance Counseling from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Doris ultimately served as a teacher and guidance counsellor for over 20 years in Chicago, Sparland, and Eureka, Illinois, while continuing to support her love for music and the importance of education for others, including daughters Lisa and Jennifer.
In 1982, Doris moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to study law and in 1984, Doris completed her Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law. Doris had the unique opportunity to attend her daughter Lisa’s undergraduate commencement the day after her own graduation. Doris ultimately became a member of the Illinois, Missouri, and California Bars and worked with a national investment brokerage firm in St. Louis and provided legal services for several law firms in the San Diego area upon her joining Lisa in California in 1991. After the Hillan family relocated to England and Doris retired in 2008, Doris relocated to Central Florida to live and enjoyed her summers in England with the Hillans.
Doris will be remembered lovingly by her family and those closest to her for her faithful devotion and loving support, the fierce loyalty and integrity in how she lived her life, as well as her keen intellect. She continued her love of music and the performing arts by attending the theatre and musical performances in St. Louis, San Diego, and Central Florida with family and friends. In her free time, Doris also enjoyed gardening, traveling, and history.
A private service for the family is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.
I am so sorry for your loss! Losing a parent is never easy. You had the pleasure of your mom's company for many years yet parting always comes too soon.
May you find comfort in sharing good memories, talk, laugh and cry to ease the grief!
I remember Doris fondly from my visits to Eureka, her hospitality, great conversations, vivid and genuine interest in others and her great knowledge of history which I profoundly enjoyed and her music. I was happy I had the opportunity to meet up with her in Northampton as well when she came to England!
I know how hard it is to part with family and my thoughts are with you.
Take care of yourselves and each other!
I am so sorry for your loss! You have been blessed by your mom's presence for a long time, yet parting will always be too soon. Treasure the good memories, talk, remember, laugh and cry to ease the loss. I remember Doris fondly from times I visited in Eureka, her hospitality, vivid interest in people and history, good talks and will cherish my last meeting with her in England.
Take care of yourselves and each other!
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of your mother during her visits to the UK. I found her company enjoyable and often highly entertaining. She was a spirited and very talented lady.
Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Clare, Kam, Amy and Victoria.
I send our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mother. We are so blessed to have had our parents as active members in our lives for so many years... yet it is still so hard to have to say "Goodbye". I pray you receive comfort in all the wonderful memories you have shared, and I thank you for the opportunity to read about your mother's full and exciting life. Sending love, Cathy