Doris Werries
November 15, 1936 – March 24, 2024
Doris Elaine Moody Werries, 87, died Sunday, March 24, 2024 at home in Lake County, Florida. She was born November 15, 1936, in Chapin, Morgan 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 John 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.
