Dora Eunice (Wilkerson) Dufrenne

Dora Eunice Dufrenne, 99, of Fenton, MO, formerly of Piedmont, MO, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at her residence. She was born February 11, 1923, in Poplar Bluff, MO, to parents Delbert and Esther Lee (Howard) Wilkerson.  

Dora was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and cousin. She was of the Baptist faith and was passionate of her spiritual life. Dora was an industrial sewing machine operator and enjoyed working as a seamstress throughout her life. In her early years, she enjoyed camping and fishing. Dora loved to spend time with her family. She looked forward to the annual Wilkerson family reunion at Sam A Baker Park. She also spent a lot of time recrafting and regifting her personal items to give to her grandchildren. She didn’t miss a chance to spend any time she could with them. She had unconditional love for her family at all times.

Dora’s passing was two days before her 100th birthday. When asked what her secret to longevity was, she replied, “My faith in God, good Drs., nurses, and common sense. Her only weakness was her sweet tooth. Her slogan this past year was “Walk 100 years in my shoes and you will be blessed. Dora’s greatest legacy was her family.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband; Thomas Shepherd and later Murray “Jake” Dufrenne; son: James Shepherd; grandchildren: Brian Shepherd, Kevin Schmidt, Timothy Schmidt, Mereda Schmidt; brothers: Jimmy, Howard, Namon, Doyle Eugene, and Pearl Wilkerson; sisters: Mabel Davis, Marie Pedrini Hinkle, Helen Shoemake, and Sylvia Bishop. 

Dora is survived by her children: Alberta Lawson of DeSoto, Laura German and husband Earl of Fenton; daughter-in-law: Sharon Shepherd of Leasburg; grandchildren: Tracy Shepherd of Leasburg, Kerri Shepherd and companion Wayne Breyfogle of Leasburg, Joe Schmidt and companion Loretta Cowgill of Poplar Bluff, Valerie McAbee of DeSoto, Veronica Keelin and husband Robert of DeSoto, Tonya White and companion Russ Ijames of Hillsboro, Rhonda Dufrenne of Barnhart; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson and one great-great grandson on the way; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dora will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation was held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Richard Sanders ministered to the family. Alyssa White read a scripture. Rhonda Dufrenne read a card. Scotty Shepherd, Brandon French, AJ Shepherd, Dylan Gidden, Brendan White, and Jacob Hederle, served as pallbearers. Burial was in Montgomery Chapel Cemetery, Silva, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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