Dorthy Jo Shoulders, age 73, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on August 27, 2024, after a long battle with an autoimmune disease. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.
Born on January 18, 1951, in Mount Carmel, Illinois, Dorthy was the daughter of Genevieve Jones Sharum and Gerald Alva Sharum. She was the third of ten children, with siblings Marian, Marjorie, Alice, Donald, Bernard, Carroll, Donna, Stephen, and Joseph.
Dorthy was a devoted caretaker throughout her life. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in home healthcare and later worked at United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville. Her greatest joy was caring for babies, showering them with affection. From her siblings to her great-grandchildren, Dorthy gave the gift of love to everyone she held in her arms. Her nurturing presence will be deeply missed by those she cherished.
Dorthy’s legacy includes her nine children and their families:
Merle, her firstborn son, who we believe to have welcomed in heaven with a warm hug and laughter. Merle’s wife, Evone, of Bonifay, Florida, grandsons, Nathan and Dusty.
Brian, of Lawrenceville, and grandson, Tyler.
Gary and partner Janice, of Lawrenceville, grandchildren, Justin and Joey and Daniel
Vicki and her partner Kim, of Sequim, Washington, grandsons Russell and Kyle.
Jason and his wife Jeannie, of Lawrenceville, grandchildren, Anthony, Chelsea, and Zach.
Randy and his wife Lisa, of Lawrenceville, and grandchildren, Roady, Brelee, Molly, Shaylee, and Ira.
Larry and his wife Suzanne, of Bothell, Washington, and grandchildren, Josephine, Clara, and Brent.
Patrick and his partner Taylor of Lawrenceville, with grandchildren Adriannah, Iris, and Ronin.
Joshua, along with his wife Taylor.
Dorthy loved all of her children and their families deeply, referring to them all as “her babies.” Her love and care will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
There will be a Rosary Saturday August 31, 2024 at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville, Illinois beginning at 9:30 am with Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00aam
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