Dorothy Belle Tompkins

Dorothy Belle Scott Tompkins, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 87. Born on March 12, 1938, in Sanders, Indiana, in her grandparents’ home Dorothy was the cherished daughter of Chester Scott and Altha Mercer Scott. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Scott, and her cousin, Betty Mercer.

Dorothy’s journey through life was marked not only by her professional accomplishments but also by her unwavering love for family and community. She is survived by her two daughters, Amy Tompkins and Shannon (Scott) Cochran; her grandsons, Jerimiah Burchfield and Gabriel Cochran; and her nephews, David Scott and Kevin Scott, as well as her niece, Julie Margason.

In 1967, Dorothy married the love of her life, Giles Tompkins, in Milan, Indiana, and together they built a family based on faith and love. Dorothy’s commitment to education was evident from an early age; she graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1956, after spending her first three years of high school at F. J. Reitz High School in Evansville, Indiana. Dorothy went on to study at the School of Nursing at Indiana University and Palm Beach Junior College. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University in 1968.

With a remarkable 50-year career in nursing, Dorothy served in various roles that showcased her compassion and dedication. She was an RN in the Labor and Delivery department at Community Hospital East for many years and a charge nurse at University Heights Hospital, both located in Indianapolis, IN. Her commitment to public health led her to work for the Marion County Public Health Department as a public health nurse and as a school nurse for Indianapolis Public Schools. She was also a beloved instructor at St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Covington, KY, and Central Maine General Hospital in Lewiston, ME. In her later years, she served as a Clinical Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, IN, and CPR instructor for a broad range of community organizations in Indianapolis.

As a Christian, Dorothy was an active member of the Methodist Church during her childhood, attending churches across Southern Indiana where her father served as a minister. She became a longtime member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Indianapolis where she regularly taught Sunday School. Her commitment to community service extended beyond her church, as she volunteered extensively at her daughters’ schools, serving as a PTA officer, room mother, committee member of the annual May Festival school fundraiser, and marching band mom. She was a dedicated Girl Scout parent and served on the advisory board of the Southport Assembly No. 10 of the International Order of Rainbow Girls.

A passionate advocate for the arts and community-based organizations, Dorothy was an ardent supporter of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Julian Center, Concord Neighborhood Center, CAFE, and the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, as well as Perry Township Schools.

Dorothy’s love for the outdoors was matched by her creativity; she enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and flower arranging, as well as making grapevine wreaths. A lifelong music lover she played the piano since childhood and had a special appreciation for classical music and traditional Scottish bagpipes.

In her later years, Dorothy found immense joy in her role as a grandmother. She adored spending time with her grandsons, attending their baseball games and band concerts, reading to them and building pillow forts with them when they were young, beating them at board games, and celebrating any and every special occasion with them as they got older, creating treasured memories that will last a lifetime. A passionate Florida State University football fan, she loved following sports, particularly football and baseball.

Known for her feisty and independent spirit, Dorothy was a dedicated advocate for those in her community and remained a loyal friend and remarkable mother and grandmother throughout her life. She took great joy in cooking for her family and making every holiday special.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Hamilton Trace Senior Living in Fishers, IN, whose dedication, care, and compassion during Dorothy’s last year will forever be remembered.

A public visitation for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 4901 East Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46237. Following the public visitation will be a funeral service to celebrate Dorothy's life at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at Mt. Ebal Cemetery in Bloomington, Indiana, immediately following the ceremony. Flowers for the family are welcome or memorial donations may be made to The Julian Center in Indianapolis or the Florida State University College of Nursing Scholarship Fund (F04564).

Dorothy Belle Scott Tompkins leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication that will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.