Thelma Dorene Jones, age 89 of Ellisville, MO formerly of Effingham, IL peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020, of natural causes at Bethesda Meadow in Ellisville, MO. Dorene was born on June 17, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Clark and Thelma (Adams) Parkinson. Survivors include a daughter, Juli Jones Lawrence of Belleville, IL; sisters, Mary Ann Stricker of Centralia and Maryville, IL, and Peggy Cantrell of Wildwood, MO and brother in law, Dr. Steven Cantrell of Wildwood, MO; sisters in law, Mildred Parkinson of Hardin, IL, and Judy Parkinson of Centralia, IL; and brother-in-law: Robert McCammon of Belleville, IL. She is also survived by her beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Bill Parkinson of Hardin, IL and Tom Parkinson of Centralia, IL, a sister, Bonnie McCammon of Belleville, IL, and a brother-in-law, Claude Stricker of Centralia and Maryville, IL. Dorene graduated from Salem Community High School. She received a Bachelor's degree in music education from Bradley University and then earned a Master's Degree in music from Eastern Illinois University. Dorene moved to Effingham, IL, where she was a lifelong Music Educator in the Effingham School District, private Piano teacher, Community Chorus Director and Music Director and active member of the Effingham Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Dorene introduced music to adults and children of all ages in Effingham proper and surrounding rural schools. She was a member of the Illinois Teachers Association, National Education Association, and an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa sorority. Dorene was an accomplished pianist, vocalist, gifted landscape artist, and enjoyed quilting and ceramics. After retirement, Dorene enjoyed traveling with friends and family. She was affectionately known as Sissy DoeDoe. Memorial services for Thelma Dorene Jones will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at the Romine Prairie Presbyterian Church in Kell, IL. Interment will follow at the Romine Prairie Cemetery. Online Condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.