Dorothy Belle Thielman

Dorothy Belle Barnett Thielman went to be with her Savior on Saturday, September 27th, 2025.

Dorothy was born on October 22nd, 1931, in Amarillo, Texas, to Art and Fannie Barnett. She attended West Texas State University where she met her husband, Calvin Thielman, while directing him in a play. She was a leader and a talented actress in high school in White Deer, Texas where she grew up, winning an award for her performance. While she was at West Texas State, Calvin introduced Dorothy to her Savior and to a deep and enduring faith to which she held throughout her life. Dorothy continued her education at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, although she was not able to complete her Bachelor's Degree in English till her children were all in school. After several other moves that included Waynesville, North Carolina, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Wheaton, Illinois, Calvin was called to what was then known as the Montreat Presbyterian Church. Dorothy lived in Montreat for the rest of her life, loving and serving her husband and three sons, and the church and community they all loved.

She was a mother to her sons, Sam, Frank, and Nathan and a creative and dedicated teacher of the Bible to them. She was also a loving mother-in-law to her sons' wives. Dorothy was a person who naturally served and sacrificed self for the needs of others. She also loved good literature, the outdoors, and walking, which she did every day she could.

She is preceded in death by Calvin, her husband of almost 51 years, and by her great-granddaughter, Naomi Sara-Ann Thielman. She is survived by her sons, Samuel Barnett Thielman (Sara), Frank Shelby Thielman (Abigail), and Nathan Maclyn Thielman (Margaret), nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Dorothy will be held at the Chapel of the Prodigal at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 4th. The chapel is located at the intersection of Lookout Road and Appalachian Way on Montreat College campus. A reception will follow downstairs below the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Community Church EPC in her honor or to the Rev. Calvin and Dorothy Thielman Scholarship Fund, Wheaton College Development Office, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187.