Thelma Faye (Blades) Dorrell

Thelma Faye (Blades) Dorrell, 93, was born Feb. 15, 1927, to James LeRoy and Malissa Jane (Mooneyham) Blades. She passed away March 26, 2020.
Dorrell was the sixth of seven children born to Roy and Lissa, and was born at home and raised on the family farm west of Republic. She at- tended St. Elmo Elementary School and graduated from Republic High School in 1945. During high school summers, Dorrell worked at the Wood Garment Factory in Republic, and at the Springfield Garment Factory after graduation.
After falling in love at first sight, she became engaged to Leon Dorrell. Following a 3-year engagement, while he was in the army during World War II, they were married on May 22, 1947, which was also her parents’ wedding anniversary. They bought an 80-acre farm next door to where she was born and raised. After liv- ing there for 45 years, they sold the farm and moved to Republic into a new home built by their son-in-law.
Dorrell became a full-time mother when her children were born, and eventually went to work for the Republic School System in the cafeteria as a cook and retired 24 years later as the Food Service Director there.
Dorrell was a member of the Springfield First Free Will Baptist Church where, she faithfully attended the last 37 years. With faith as the cornerstone of her life, Dorrell was unflappable upon receiving a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
Leon and Thelma were married 53 years before Leon’s death in 2000. Also, preceding Dorrell in death were her parents Roy and Lissa Blades, sisters Clara Parker, Cleo Batson, Dorothy Swinney and brothers Wayne, Drextle, and Jimmie Blades.
Dorrell is survived by her children, Lyndle (Karen) Dorrell, Lynette (Vernon) Chastain, a grandson, sister- in-law Madge Blades, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Due to the recent Civil Emergency Order banning gatherings of more than 10 people, a private graveside service and burial for the immediate family will be held at this time under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic.
She will be laid to rest by her husband in Evergreen Cemetery, Republic. When the current health crisis has passed, the family will host a celebration of life honoring Dorrell.