of Monticello, AR

July 3, 1931 - July 4, 2023

Obituary
Hildred Pauline Smith Turpin, known to everyone as Tommie, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Monticello, AR on July 4, 2023. She is survived by three daughters, Glenda Bryan (Kenneth) of Marion, AR, Jackie Tyler and Peggie Orrell of Monticello, AR and one son, Mark Turpin (Mary) of Morrilton, AR. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Carron Cates (Eddy), Sean Bryan, Scott Bryan (Melanie) of Marion, Jonathan Turpin (Lisa) of Mayflower, AR, Cristi Mitchell (Justice), Holly Orrell, and Melissa Orrell of Monticello, AR, Keeton Orrell (Douglas) of Ward, AR, (Carri Kleck (Brian) of Troy, MO, Kelli McTigrit (Brad) of Star City, AR, John Mark Turpin and Anna Henderson (Clay) of Morrilton, AR. She is also leaves 27 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Tommie was born in Bassett, AR on July 3, 1931 to Hilliard Commodore Smith and Nellie Lorena McFatridge Smith. She attended school at Shawnee in Joiner, AR. She married the love of her life, Glenn Turpin, on May 31, 1949. She was a homemaker while their five children were growing up and in school. Later in life, she attended business school and received her Administrative Assistant certification. She worked as the executive assistant to the manager of the Lepanto Garment Company and as a legal assistant to Mr. Clyde R. Smith, an attorney in Lepanto, AR. She and Mr. Smith were also partners in an accounting business. Upon the death of Mr. Smith, Tommie opened her own accounting business, adding insurance agent and real estate broker to her repertoire. She owned a Century 21 franchise until her retirement in 1990.
Tommie and her husband, Glenn, were avid square dancers for many years. A highlight of these years was when she and Glenn were asked to facilitate a square dance for Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Ball in January 1977. They square danced with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter!
Tommie was a faithful member of Collins Baptist Church in Collins, AR. Over the years, she taught Sunday School classes, lead Bible studies, worked with GA's and RA's and fed many pastors and their families at her kitchen table. There always seemed to be room for one more at the Turpin table. She also lead a women's jail ministry for many years.
Tommie was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was Worthy Matron for Chapters in West Memphis, Harrisburg and Monticello. She had the honor of being Grand Ada for the State of Arkansas for 2020 and 2021.
Tommie loved crafting of all kinds and spent much of her time, after retiring, making gifts for family and friends. At the age of 90, she made over sixty aprons for Christmas presents, complete with names on them. She was a whiz on a computer, a cricut machine and a camera. If you knew her, she has taken your picture!
Tommie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Bobby Lynn Turpin; two sons-in-law, Doyle Tyler and Lewis Orrell and her five sisters, Bobby Ola Smith, June McGraw, Joan Price, Jimmie Fowler and Jennie Lynn Daniel.
Memorials may be sent to:
Collins Baptist Church, 4287 Highway 35 E, Dermott, AR 71638 or
OES Chapter 374, in care of Mary Mullins, 16 Sylvan Hills, Warren, AR 71671 - Service Dog Project

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com