Dorothy Griffin Thomason

Dorothy “Dot” Griffin Thomason, a cherished grandmother, devoted mother, and beloved wife, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 30, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on June 12, 1935, in Tarboro, North Carolina, Dot lived a life marked by grace, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her family and community.

She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband of 53 years, James “Jimmie” B. Thomason, whose memory she carried tenderly in her heart every day.

Dot enjoyed a long and accomplished career with BB&T and later IBM, where her professionalism and warmth left a lasting impression. In retirement, she embraced life with the same purpose and generosity that defined her character. She found joy in volunteering—whether through her local garden club, vacation Bible school, or countless events with her treasured Sunday school class. Above all, she delighted in nurturing her grandchildren, enriching their lives with unconditional love, gentle wisdom, and boundless encouragement.

Dot loved without condition or hesitation. She embodied acceptance in its purest form—welcoming all with open arms and an open heart. In her presence, people felt seen, valued, and deeply loved. Her kindness was a quiet, steady force that uplifted everyone she encountered, leaving the world better simply because she was in it.

Her legacy lives on through her devoted family. Dot is survived by her loving son, Jason “Jay” Thomason, and his wife Kimberly, of Newport, NC; her beloved daughter, Tela Thomason, of Williamsburg, VA; and her adored grandchildren—Alexandria “Allie” (Thomason) Harrison and her husband Lucas, Taylor and Dillon Thomason, and Frederick and Jimmie McFadden—each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Her love continues through her great-grandson, Jacob Harrison, whose presence was a radiant light in her later years.

A service celebrating Dot’s life will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. Friends and loved ones are warmly invited to a reception in the church’s fellowship hall from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, where memories will be shared and Dot’s beautiful legacy honored.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dot’s memory to Trinity Baptist Church, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, or Public Broadcasting System (PBS), continuing her spirit of generosity and love.

“Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Luke 12:27