Dora Lee Thompson

Dora Lee Thompson, age 89, was born on June 25, 1936, in Reichert, Oklahoma to Samson and Edith White. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and a quiet strength that shaped generations.

Above all else, Dora was a devout Christian who set the example of what it meant to live as a Godly woman. Her faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life. If you ever visited her home, you would almost always find her Bible open beside her chair - a reflection of her daily walk with Christ. For 89 years, she faithfully led her family in prayer before meals, covering each gathering with gratitude and love. She also spent her entire life covering her family in prayer, lifting their names to the Lord daily and entrusting every joy, burden, and need into His hands.

Dora cherished the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved birds and wildflowers, and she held deep pride in her Choctaw heritage. She found great joy in teaching her grandchildren to play dominos and in cheering them on at their ballgames. She especially loved watching the Hogs play and supporting her grandchildren in all their sporting events.

Known for her honesty and wisdom, Grandma was a truth teller. She made sure her family heard what they needed to hear - always delivered in a loving and nurturing way. She was the sweetest soul you'd ever meet, yet she wasn't afraid to grab a board when her grandchildren (especially the babies of the family) needed a little correction. Her love was steady, strong, and intentional.

Dora was famous for her beans and "taters," meals that brought family together around the table where laughter, stories, and prayer were shared. Her home was a place of comfort, faith, and belonging.

Dora leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Scott Thompson and wife Sheri of Bates, AR, Eric Thompson and wife Nonie of Waldron, AR, stepson Earl Wayne Thompson and wife Barbara of Bates, AR, step daughters Pam Payne and husband Lewis of Waldron, AR and Karen Parish and husband Russell of Mansfield, AR. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Rusty (Amber) Craig, Clint Scott, Justin Thompson, Brooke (John) Batchelor, Hali (Kyle) Baker, Hannah (Eli) Scantling, Laramie (Karley) Thompson, Catherine Thompson, Jennifer (Zach) Lynch, Kerri (Ben Blake) Thompson, Sada (Jeremy) Wilson, Jon (Becky) Clopton, Chelsey Gryner, Colton (Kacey) Clopton, Daniel Gillenwater, Josh Gillenwater, Kimberly (Matthew) Nichols and July Parish. Her legacy will continue with a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones dear to her heart.She was preceded in death by her parents, Samson and Edith White, husband Earl D. Thompson, daughters Billie Scott and Randa Savage, brothers, R.O. White and Pete White, sisters, Lois Burton and Dorothy Fry, great grandchildren Josiah Batchelor and Reese Scantling.

A celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. 

Dora's pallbearers will be Rusty Craig, Clint Scott, Justin Thompson and Laramie Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and unconditional love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Her example of devotion to God and dedication to family will never be forgotten.