Born June 3, 1937, in Lexington, Virginia, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Leonard Bryson and Virginia Moore Bryson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene Samuel Turpin, Sr., and her cherished son, Robert Allen “Bobby” Turpin.
Dorothy’s life was one centered on love—especially the love she had for her family. She poured herself into her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and “Mawmaw,” a title she treasured above all. Her heart was never fuller than when her home was filled with the laughter of her children, the footsteps of her grandchildren, and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal with those she loved most. To visit Dorothy was to be fed—body and soul. Her kitchen was always open, and no one ever left her table hungry.
She is survived by her sons, Eugene Samuel “Sam” Turpin, Jr. (Melinda) and Richard Lynn Turpin (Melanie); and by her seven grandchildren, Richard Benjamin Turpin (Heather), McKayla Turpin Wood (Jesse), Heather Turpin Farmer (Tyler), Nicole Turpin Lee (Jacob), Eric Andrews (Dawn), Elizabeth Wallin (Steven), and Caity Steffy. Her legacy continues through her 13 great-grandchildren: Bailee, Grady, and Tripp Turpin; Chandler and Maverick Wood; Trent and Brenleigh Farmer; Walker and Laken Lee; Emma Andrews; and Andrew, Sarah, and Owen Wallin.
Dorothy found joy in the simple pleasures of life—good country music, a night of flatfooting at New London or Carolina Country, and sharing laughter around the kitchen table. She was as spirited as she was loving, and her warmth touched all who knew her.
Her family was the heartbeat of her life, and she lived each day with them at the center. Her favorite people called her “Mawmaw,” and it was a name spoken with love, reverence, and deep affection by all generations who were blessed to call her theirs.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Bethany United Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Dooley officiating. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, in honor of Dorothy’s compassionate spirit and enduring love.
Her love lives on in the family she raised, the traditions she built, and the memories she leaves behind.
