Dona Jean Murren Wilkes, 76, of St. Augustine, Fla., died at home Nov. 26, 2006.

She was born Feb. 14, 1931 at the University of Chicago Hospital, the only child of Reginald Murren, M.D. and Eva Irene Miller.

In 1960 she married architect Delano Wilkes in the Unitarian Church in Geneva, Ill., who survives in Fla.

Dona was a professor of literature and humanities at the College of DuPage, where she was employed for 30 years. There she spearheaded the gifted student program and initiated film study course work to develop writing skills. She served two terms as president of the teacher’s council to the college board of trustees. In service to the community of Dune Acres, Ind., where she owned property for 27 years, Dona informed the town board of certain egregious land misuses and animal abuses occurring in town parks.

She was buried in the Wilkes Family plot Dec. 2, 2006 at Westview Cemetery in Palatka, Fla. The private service was attended by her husband; brother-in-law, John Wilkes; nephew, Scott Wilkes and best friends, Cynthia Weatherby and Robert Burris. Cousin survivors include the Vallee family of Sarasota and the Millers of Marco Island and Madison, Wis.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka handled funeral arrangements.

Posted 12/19/2006