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
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19 Condolence(s)
melloyd
Thursday, August 3, 2023
I just found out about the death of Tommie. I had no idea that she had left us. She was a special lady. She and my mother, Joyce Ann McFatridge-Lloyd, were close for many years. In fact, as my mother was dying of Cancer, Tommie, who was living in Bassett at the time came over and helped everyday. It's a sad day for those of us who remain, over the last few years, so many of our family have left us an went to their rewards. Where does the time go Fairwell my dear friend, fairwell. This is a place where we often say good bye but we are headed to a land where there is no more sorrow, crying or death, on the other shore of eternity there you await until we meet again. I loved you Ms. Tommie, until we meet again.- Michael Lloyd
Darlene Moore
Monday, July 10, 2023
I met Tommie in Eastern Star. She was always a joy and blessing to anyone who met her. My condolences to all of her family. I loved her dearly. She will be missed. She touched alot of lives!
Mina smith
Sunday, July 9, 2023
So sorry to hear about Tommie my sister and I met her on several occasions in Arkansas olso her cousin she brought he entertained us on the piano she will be sadly missed but not forgotten Mina and janette from Scotland
Bryan Portman
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Aunt Tommie - many good times growing up when we would visit Lepanto. She introduced me to my first computer at her office in town! Mark, Glenda, Jackie and Peggy your Mom was one of a kind. Love from Bill (my Dad) too.
Janet Daniel Sorrell
Friday, July 7, 2023
Aunt Tommie you will be missed by so many of your family, friends and people you have sincerely touched over the years....Now the Smith Sisters are all together. You are leaving a legacy that will be hard to follow....I love you!
Lesa Caine
Friday, July 7, 2023
So sorry to hear of Ms. Tommie's passing. I know you will find comfort in the Lord and knowing she is safely at home with Him. As I am certain you already know, this doesn't take away the pain of her leaving, but it does give comfort and help. I am blessed to have known her. She was a remarkable woman and witness to us all. My prayers for all of you.
Shay Cowling
Friday, July 7, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family. She was a sweet lady indeed! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love to each of you.
Rodney Stovall
Thursday, July 6, 2023
My condolences to all who knew and loved Tommie, especially her family. Hugs and love to all of you.
Nannette & O.D. Baker
Thursday, July 6, 2023
We wish to extend our condolences to the family at this time. May you be comforted by the promise of the resurrection and the knowledge that soon death will be no more and never again will we have to bury our loved ones. God makes this wonderful promise to is at Isaiah 25:8 where it states that he will "swallow up death forever." I hope you find solace in these words.
Jonathan Turpin
Thursday, July 6, 2023
I love you Nonnie and am so thankful that you help me become the man I am. You will be missed.
Linda McNeal
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Sorry to hear about Tommie. I knew her through Eastern Star and so enjoyed being with her at the meetings. She was always in a joyful mood and greeted everyone the same, with a smile and hug. She will be missed. God bless her family.
Lorrie Ann McFatridge-Shigley
Thursday, July 6, 2023
I just loved my precious cousin so very much ðŸ™ðŸ»â£ï¸ what a darling soul and now she is in heaven, a good and faithful servant of the Lord â£ï¸. I am so grateful I got to meet Tommie years ago at a family reunion in Arkansas. It was so easy to love her.
Tommie, darling, you are free of your Earthly bonds and now you’re with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus in true Paradise â£ï¸ please give my dad a hug from me, I’m certain you two found each other right away. God Bless your beautiful soul sweetheart! I have missed you and will be wanting to see your beautiful face as soon as I arrive on the other side of this life♥ï¸. You are SUCH a darling soul my friend and cousin ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸŒˆâ™¥ï¸. Have a wonderful time in Paradise, Darling Tommie ðŸ™ðŸ». Congratulations on a wonderful life lived well and faithfully doing Gods work!! I’m so sorry I didn’t get to visit with you last year 🥺
Carolyn Smallwood
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Sorry to hear about Tommie ,she was a special lady. Loved her, Carolyn
Rachel French
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Glenda & family - so sorry for your loss. I never met your mom, but reading about her she lived a very full life with many adventures, accomplishments & a zest for life. All this andthe blessing of a large & loving family. I pray for peace & comfort for you all.
Chris Shoemake
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Glenda, after reading your Mother's obituary, I have no problem seeing that you walked in your mother's footsteps. She evidently was motivated, and a caring person. She was my neighbor for awhile, but I never did get to know her as I was working at that time and fence between our homes prevented me from just walking over. I know all of her family will miss her, because I am sure she made personal relationships with each of you. She shared being a mother of twins with me and yet I've never met them, however I met and got to know both Kenneth and Mr. Doyle because we worked together. I was sad to learn that Mr. Doyle had died and our entire community has followed as Kenneth's health has been of high concern for all who knows him. I will not be in town at the time of her celebration of life. However, I will be thinking of all of you and will be in spirit with you on Saturday. Sincerely,
Sharon Davidson
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
You were always so sweet to me. Now you’re a beautiful Angel in Heaven! Congratulations! Thank you for all you did for us while you were here. 💙💛ðŸ¤ðŸ’šâ¤ï¸
Sheri Sutton
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Tommie, you will be missed so much. I loved your sense of humor, you sparkling personality & your love for your OES family. You blessed my life.
Betty and Wayne Evans
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Tommie became Nonnie to me as we traveled the state of Arkansas with Eastern Star. She demonstrated to me what it truly means to be an Eastern Star Sister as she taught me so much about our wonderful organization. I love my Nonnie and have missed traveling with her this past year. Because of her love and telling me what I needed to do, I will keep her memory alive as I continue my growth in Eastern Star. Wayne fell in love with Toot, as he eventually called her. He always said she filled an empty spot in his heart. He loved for her to come to our home and tell stories and share recipes with him. Nonnie and Toot will always be in our hearts and we have so many memories to share. We also fell in love with Nonnie's family, who filled empty spots in both our hearts.
Janice Green
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Loved you from the moment we met at Eastern Star meeting . Enjoyed the travel with you and the Fabulous Five.