Sarah M. Doerner, 86, of Du Quoin, passed away at 9:18 P.M., Friday, November 29, 2024 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Sarah had been a teacher of Journalism and English.  She was of the Baptist faith.
In 1958, she received a B. S. in Education from SIU-C, majoring in Social Studies and minoring in English and Library Science.  In 1971, she received a M. S. in Education in Instructional Materials (Library Science/Educational Media).
Sarah began her 37 year teaching career in Illinois at Metropolis High School (1958-59) as a Social Studies/English teacher.  She also taught at Pope County High School (Golconda) (1959-65) in Math, English and as Librarian; Pope County Dist. # 1 (1965-68) Unit Librarian/Audiovisual Director; Mendota High School (1968-70) College Preparatory English IV/Junior Accelerated English III; Marissa High School (1971-75) Library/Media Specialist and Journalism/Mass Media teacher.
Until her retirement in August, 1996, Sarah taught for 21 years in Du Quoin Dist. #300 beginning in 1975 in the following areas:  (1975-82) Wheatley/Lincoln/McKinley Schools Librarian and Gifted Program (grades 1-4); (1982-92) Ward School 7th & 8th grade English and 7th Grade Social Studies and Gifted Program; (1992-96) Ward School Library/Media Specialist (grades 4-8).  She also taught Journalism at Du Quoin High School from 1981-82 and 1987-96.
Sarah's honors included:  2013 - The Southern Illinois Leaders Among US Award, 2008-2014 - President of the (AAUW) American Association of University Women – Carbondale, 2003 - IJEA "Lifetime Achievement Award", 1998-2006 - Phi Kappa Phi - SIU-C  Chapter Executive Board, 1986 - Southern Illinois School Press Association "Newspaper Adviser of the Year Award.", 1958 Graduated SIU-C cum laude, and 1955 Pope County High School Valedictorian.
Sarah's volunteer activities included:  1997-2020 Marshall Browning Hospital Auxiliary, 1997-2006 Du Quoin Tourism Commission, 1998-2020 Friends of the Du Quoin Public Library President, 1999-2021 Du Quoin Public Library Board of Trustees, and 2001-2005 Perry County Retired Teachers' Association President.
She was born December 7, 1937 in Rosiclare, IL, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Turner) Lowery.
She married Carroll L. Doerner on July 3, 1966 in Golconda, IL and he preceded her in death on August 27, 1994.
She is survived by one son - Carlton J. Doerner of Du Quoin, nephew - Shawn O'Brien and wife Jennifer O'Brien and their children Quaid O'Brien and Madison O'Brien, niece - Annette Tapp and her child Daniel Tapp, niece - Gail Lowery and
niece - Crystal Robison  and her children Kristen and Cierra Robinson.
She was preceded in death by her husband - Carroll L. Doerner, father - Charles Lowery, mother - Anna Lowery, sister - Grethel Warren and husband Bandy Warren, brother - Charles Lowery, brother - James Lowery, niece - Ida Marie Warren
and niece - Emma O'Brien Joiner and husbands Richard O'Brien and Deon Joiner.
Memorial visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to Du Quoin Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.