Dora Wilson

Dora was born on August 5, 1941, in Hannibal, MO. She married Warren Brent Wilson on December 18, 1962, in Quincy, IL.

Dora attended St. John’s Lutheran School and Central Grade and Junior High School in Hannibal. Dora graduated from Hannibal High School in 1959. After graduating high school, she attended St. Mary Hospital Nursing School in Quincy graduating in 1962, and later attended St. John’s School of Nursing Anesthesia where she graduated in 1973. She went on to receive her bachelor’s in nursing from St. Francis in Joliet graduating in 1976. Dora then received her master’s degree from Sangamon State University in Springfield in Medical Science Administration in 1981 and received her PhD from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1986.

Dora worked at various medical facilities throughout Springfield starting in 1973 as a nurse anesthetist. After almost forty years working as a nurse Dora retired from Springfield Clinic in the ambulatory clinic. Dora served as the President of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. She was an avid volunteer for the Central Illinois Medical Volunteers, and volunteered with Operation Smile where she traveled to Russia, Guatemala, Peru, Northern Vietnam, and other various South American countries to help children with cleft palates.

Dora and Warren loved to travel in their free time. Throughout their travels they visited forty-eight states and fifty-two countries. Besides traveling she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play high school sports and perform in musical theater, reading, playing Sudoku, and loved her animals. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.

Dora was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Hawker; stepfather, Harold Hawker; brother, Charles Gilmore; brothers-in-law, Elmer Ellis and James Willis; and sister-in-law, Claudette Mayer Gilmore.

In addition to her husband Warren, Dora is survived by two sons, Craig (Carla) Wilson of Chatham and Bradley (Gail) Wilson of Springfield; one daughter, Dorian Wilderman of Broomfield, CO; four grandchildren, Ainslle, Ben, and Zach Wilson and Charli Wilderman; two sisters, Carol Jean Willis and Robin Ellis both of Hannibal and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.

Per Dora’s request, services will be private.

Family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 South Sixth Street, Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.