Dolores Jean Thetford, age 92, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home in Herrin surrounded by her loving family.
Dolores was born on April 9, 1933 in Marion, Illinois to Elby and Gladys (Norris) Barnett. She was united in marriage to Charles William Thetford on March 6, 1953 in Marion, Illinois and together they shared many years of love and devotion.
Dolores was a devoted employee of the Bank of Herrin, where she worked faithfully for 25 years. In her personal life, she found joy in quilting, knitting, genealogy, and nurturing plants and flowers. A deeply faithful Christian woman, Dolores served as a Sunday School teacher for 57 years at Herrin First Baptist Church, touching countless lives through her dedication and faith. After retirement, Dolores devoted her time to caring for her great-grandsons Jacob and Jonah, a role she treasured deeply. She also became actively involved in the Williamson County Historical Society in 1977, serving as treasurer for many years and earning induction into the Society’s Honor Roll for her service and remained a member till her death.
Dolores was always known as a sweet, caring, and gentle woman—but she could also get loud when cheering on her beloved SIU Salukis and the Chicago Bulls. She especially enjoyed hosting her granddaughter and friends in her home to cheer for the Bulls during the Michael Jordan era, as he was her favorite player.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Linda & Gene Johnson of Herrin; her cherished grandchildren, Starla Garlick of Energy and Nicholas Johnson of Herrin; her treasured great-grandchildren, Jacob Garlick, Jonah Garlick and his girlfriend Cameran Gwaltney, Tyler Thetford, Gage Thetford, and Nevaeh Thetford; her niece, JeanAnn Myers and her husband James of Louisville, Kentucky; and great-nephew, Zander Myers. The family extends a special thank you to family friend Cheryl Tubbs for her care and kindness.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Thetford; her son, Randall Thetford; her brother, Robert Barnett; and her grandson, Jon Thetford.
Dolores’ legacy of faithfulness, love, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all.
Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Goldman officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Herrin City Cemetery in Herrin, IL. For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home, 949 County Road 1300 N, Carmi, IL 62821; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.