Dori Drummond

Dori Drummond, 52, of Poplar Bluff, MO., passed away on Monday May 20, 2013 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. She was born on July 20, 1960 in Bloomington, IL., to James Lewis and Dorlis Grant Drummond.

Miss Drummond is survived by her sister Lori (Bill) Drummond-Cherniwchan of Rockford, IL., her mother Dorlis Grant Pearce of Springfield, two uncles: Pete (Nan) Grant and Kelly (Karen) Grant, one aunt Glenda Warren, seven cousins: Laura (Roger) Barge, Niles Warren, Grant (Claudia) Warren, Kent Grant, Kem (Gerald) Winter, Kris Grant, and Kelly W. Grant, and six second cousins: Rosalie Howe, David Warren, Laura (Cameron) Taylor, Scott (Teresa) Warren, Georgia Barge, and Warren Barge. She was preceded in death by her father James, and grandparents: Belva and Cecil Drummond and Gracie and Kelly Grant, and her beloved family dog Blackie.

Dori was the 1978 Valedictorian of Winter Haven High School in Winter Haven, FL., and then attended Florida Southern University for undergraduate studies before graduating from Washington University School of Law in 1989. Dori was currently working in the Poplar Bluff Public Defenders Office in Poplar Bluff, MO.

One of Dori’s most treasured pastimes was her involvement with Toastmasters International. Through Toastmasters Dori Drummond was a source of strength that influenced a great many people throughout the world of Toastmasters International. She cared for many people and took a personal interest in helping them see what is possible in achieving higher levels of accomplishments for themselves. Dori accomplished this by always being available and offering to help those who requested help. Dori always gave informed advice helping to spark interest and showing how to raise the professionalism of our Toastmasters organization. Dori took a special interest in developing new clubs and was never satisfied with the status quo, she always worked diligently to achieve new milestones in membership that otherwise would go untapped. This was proven in Dori’s term as District Governor when she asked for and got that extra effort from members and delivered for that year a ranking of 11 out of 90 Toastmaster International Districts throughout the world. This was a proud moment for all in our Toastmasters district as this involved hard work from everyone involved. Dori spent many late nights following up with individual members during this time. Dori always practiced what she expected others to accomplish. Dori achieved Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) the highest Toastmasters designation for both leadership and communications. This called for not only taking her Toastmaster experience to the next level but also enhancing the Toastmasters Organization through development and recognition. After her term as District Governor, Dori used her leadership skills to campaign for Toastmaster International leaders who Dori believed would benefit the entire organization and its members. Dori touched the lives of a great many people and those of us who knew and worked with Dori benefited greatly knowing Dori and having her in our lives.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30pm on Saturday May 25, 2013 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen St., in Springfield, IL., with Rev. Julie Wells Blythe officiating. The family will meet friends from 11:00am-12:30pm on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Omer Roberts Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to Toastmasters International and mail to: Toastmasters International attention Finance Department, 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. 92688-2620 with the memo line of the check stating “District 8 Omer Roberts Inmate Scholarship Fund.” Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.