Dorothy Thigpen Hopson

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Carol Thigpen Hopson

September 9, 1938 – October 19, 2025 | Lufkin, TX

It is with heavy hearts that we remember Dorothy Carol Thigpen Hopson, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 19, 2025.

Born on September 9, 1938, in Lufkin, Texas. Dorothy was the cherished third child of eight born to Thomas Edgar Thigpen and Nora Ann Sallas. A 1956 graduate of Central High School, Dorothy’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, love, and selfless service.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lufkin First Church of the Nazarene, where she was a lifelong member. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation at the church from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Interment will follow at Gann Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Dorothy’s journey with the Nazarene church began when she married Thomas F. Hopson on February 22, 1957, at Lufkin First Church of the Nazarene by Sister Emma Irick. The very next Sunday, she joined her husband and his family for worship—a commitment that remained steadfast for nearly seven decades. Together, Dorothy and Thomas built a marriage rooted in love, devotion, and shared faith that lasted over sixty years, until Thomas’ passing on June 2, 2017.

A woman of deep conviction, Dorothy believed in two things above all else: giving your best effort in everything you do and giving your life to Jesus Christ. She embodied both every day. Her involvement in the Nazarene Church was a cornerstone of her life—serving faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, Vacation Bible School worker, nursery teacher, and board member for eight years. Even as her health declined in early 2024, forcing her to step back from church activities, her faith never wavered.

Dorothy’s compassion extended far beyond the church walls. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children—Renee, Regena, and Big Jim—they were the light of her life. Her home was a refuge for many; she opened her doors and heart to children beyond her own, nurturing and guiding them with unconditional love as they grew into adulthood.

Dorothy began her lifelong retail career at the young age of 15, working at a local drug store. She later worked at Top Teen Shop for nine years before taking time off to care for her newborn son, Jimmy. A chance visit to K. Wolens Department Store to buy a pair of red shoes for her daughter, Regena, turned into an opportunity that would shape her professional life. What began as a part-time job became a fulfilling career that spanned over 20 years across multiple store locations. When the K. Wolens stores closed, she was offered a management position with Family Dollar, that continued for over 30 years-after first retiring she returned about 3 weeks later to work part-time where she helped train new managers at various locations until her retirement in January 2016 due to health challenges.

Dorothy is survived by her loving daughters Karon Renee Hopson and her lifelong companion Donna Sprayberry, and Regena Beth Hopson Gresham and her husband H.J. Ted Gresham. She also leaves behind her proud grandchildren: Staff Sergeant Trace Gresham, United States Marine Corps, and Liberty Ann Gresham Mitchell and her husband Dalton Mitchell, as well as her adored great-granddaughter Leah Rose Mitchell.

She is also survived by her brother Charles Thigpen (and wife Ann); sisters Joanne Wilmon, Shirley White, and Vickie Landrum (and husband Bobby); and numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members. Her loyal companion, her cat Grimmy, will forever be remembered as her faithful sidekick.

Dorothy’s “bonus family” included Sarah Lewis and her husband Jeremy, and their children Katlyn, Allen, Madelin, Alexus, Alyk, and Ayden, who brought great joy and love to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Nora Thigpen; her loving husband Thomas F. Hopson; her beloved son James (Big Jim) Hopson; and her sisters Marie Burrous (and husband Oscar), Norma Jean Hawk (and husband Marvin), and Mary Bernice Fitzgerald (and husband Richard).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Hospice in the Pines, as well as to Sarah, Madelin, and Cathy, for their devoted care and love during Dorothy’s final days.

Dorothy’s life was defined by kindness, faith, and unwavering love. She gave selflessly, lived humbly, and loved deeply. Her laughter, strength, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of love and faith lives on—an enduring light for her family and all whose lives she touched.

Pallbearers will be Renee Hopson, SSGT Trace Gresham, Dalton Mitchell, Chris Hawk, Robert Wilmon, Ronald Wilmon, Royce Wilmon, Randy Thigpen, and Tadd Price.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Ed White, Roger White, Garland Hawk, and Mark Hopson.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.