Annette Thompson Popwell

1933 - 2025

Annette Thompson Popwell passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on May 25, 2025. She was born Annette Thompson on May 20, 1933, to Henry J. Thompson, Sr. and Lillian Thompson in Decatur, Georgia. She was the younger sister of Audrey Thompson and older sister to Henry J. Thompson, Jr.

Annette grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and attended Decatur Girls High School. Annette loved Decatur and the many lifelong friendships she developed in her youth. She maintained those friendships that started in elementary school throughout her life, traveling with those friends on special girls' trips and staying in touch to share the many day-to-day aspects of life.

As a sophomore in high school, Annette met Charles Richard (Dick) Popwell, a Decatur Boys High School football and baseball star, and the two were married in July of 1952. They were married for 72 years. Annette and Dick had three children: Charles Richard Popwell, Jr. (deceased); Lisa Popwell Mallory (Arthur Kahn) an interior designer in Memphis; and David Thompson Popwell, Sr. (Selden) a banker in Memphis. Annette had seven grandchildren: William Neely Mallory IV (Kate); Richard Popwell Mallory (Camille); Constance Condon Popwell; David Thompson Popwell, Jr. (Alexis); Lisa Annette Popwell, Nora Kahn Wilson (Bayard); and Zoe Kahn Vernon (Amos) and seven great-grandchildren: William Neely Mallory V, Annette Williams Mallory, Joseph Orgill Mallory, Timothy Hayes Mallory, Charles Richard Popwell, III, Alberta Wren Wilson and Sheperd Vernon.

In 1970, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, for Dick to pursue his career. Annette was an incredibly supportive and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was called Dommie by her grandchildren, the name by which she called her grandmother. Although she was an avid golfer and bridge player, her passion in life was serving her family, and she was always there for whatever was needed. Annette never missed her family's sporting events, school ceremonies, or other activities. Annette was an outstanding cook who crafted many dishes which her family adored, especially her mashed potatoes. She loved to entertain and serve her children, grandchildren, and their friends at her round breakfast room table in the bay window of her home on Massey Road. Holidays were always special at Dommie's house. Each of her family members could tell countless stories about Dommie's house, but all would end the same way: with Dommie standing in the driveway waving goodbye until her loved ones were no longer in sight. Dommie will be missed tremendously.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Carolyn Guy, for her wonderful assistance to Annette and the family during the later years of her life.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday May 29, 2025 at Emmanuel Methodist Church.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by service at 11:00 AM.

Annette will be buried in a family ceremony in Decatur, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pure Academy.