Dorothea Jean (Vaughan) Andrews Jenkins, 90 of Fairfield, born at home on October 9, 1935, in Pond Creek, Illinois, to Brose and Margaret (Bell) Vaughan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at her son’s home, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a life defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community.
Dorothea began her professional career as a bookkeeper for Southern Illinois Lumber Company and then for several oil field firms, dedicating 35 years to that work. At the age of 50, she made the remarkable decision to pursue higher education, earning her bachelor’s degree in special education from Southern Illinois University, graduating with honors. She went on to teach special education for 10 years at Fairfield Community High School, where she touched the lives of countless students and families.
Her passion for helping others—especially children—was the guiding force throughout her life. This dedication extended beyond the classroom through her leadership in Gamma Chi Sorority. A devoted member for 50 years and former Illinois State president, Dorothea organized the St. Jude’s Bike Ride in her community, raising thousands of dollars for children in need. She also championed literacy through the Reading Is Fundamental program, ensuring books reached all local schools and children’s programs. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she also coordinated efforts to send books and essential items to troops in Afghanistan and donated two bicycles to the Family Literacy Fest for several years.
Following her retirement from teaching, Dorothea continued serving her community as an administrative assistant at Kiddie Kollege Early Childhood Center for 15 years. She was affectionately known as “Grandma” by the children, a testament to the love and warmth she shared with everyone she met. Dorothea was the glue that kept the family together, hosting holiday meals for many, many years.
Dorothea is survived by her three children: Billy Gib (Jill) Andrews, Dana Andrews Morgan (Ed Garrett), and Beth (Kevin) Andrews McNeill who all reside in Fairfield, IL. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Billy Gib (Laleh) Andrews II, Carrie (Ryan) Andrews Rice, Raven (Ashton) McNeill Martin and Anthony (Julia) McNeill, and Amber (Russ) Morgan-Ver Nooy; as well as eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Clarabelle Vaughan Simpson and JoAnne Vaughan Gershenson and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Brose and Margaret Vaughan; her husband Gordon Jenkins and her sisters, Charlene (Bill) Vaughan Wagner, Helen Vaughan Williams and Elsie Pauline Vaughan.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 9th, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Dorothea will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her dedication to education, and her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others. Her legacy lives on in the many children, families, and community members she inspired. Donations in her honor may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the service or at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome
