Dorothy Thompson Adamson

Dorothy Fay Thompson Smalley Adamson, 83, passed away on June 8, 2025, in Waynesville, NC. She was under the compassionate care of Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care, and Haywood Regional Medical Center, Waynesville, NC.

Born on July 30, 1941, Dorothy was raised in Lumberton, MS, and graduated from Purvis High School in Purvis, MS. Over the years, she embraced many roles with dedication and energy—wife, mother, homemaker, school bus driver, bookkeeper for several businesses, restaurant owner and cook, stone mason, and elder caregiver. Her work ethic reflected her vibrant spirit and determination.

Dorothy’s life was rich with creativity and care. She was an accomplished sewist and quilter, who found joy in creating beauty through fabric. Her love for gardening was evident in the vibrant flower and vegetable beds she tended with devotion. She had a special fondness for magnolia blossoms, camellias, irises, day lilies, and her Christmas cactus. A passionate plant propagator and lover of books, she found joy in simple pleasures—reading, sipping coffee, or picking raspberries with her grandchildren and step-grandchildren. Known for her vivacious personality and signature leopard print style, Dorothy brought warmth and light to those around her.

Dorothy was a woman of deep faith, and devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She worshipped at various charismatic churches, home churches, and Christian ministries throughout her life. Bible studies were a cherished part of her routine, as were long conversations over coffee with friends, who shared her love of Scripture.

Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Eldon Adamson; daughter, Kim Riddle (Tony); son, James Scott Smalley; daughter-in-law, Carla Smalley (Steve); sister, Ernestine Slie (Herb); brothers, Leon Thompson (Bobbie), Barney Thompson (Shirley), and Kennith Thompson (Janice); sister, Diane Riley (Mike); and special sisters-in-law, Monecia Smalley and Gayle Dalati.

Grandchildren: Justin Riddle (Kristin); Nathan Riddle; Andrew Riddle (Samantha); Amber O’Connell (Landon); Skyler Parker (Garrett)

Great grandchildren: Isaac and Asher Riddle; Jonah, Anna, and Micah Riddle; Vera VanLandingham; Layla Smalley-Thomas; Roman Thomas; Gordan, Gavin, and Liliana Parker.

Stepchildren: Brett Adamson (Kim); Annett Brown (Mike); Debbie Presnell (Andy)

Step grandchildren: Tyler Adamson (Abby); Corey Adamson (Sarah); Lindsay Williams (Nick); Blake Adamson (Annika); Wyatt Sasman; Kassidy Sasman; Lauren Presnell; Logan Presnell (Sara); Morgan Patterson.

Step great grandchildren: Mac and Alice Adamson; Isaac, Blair, and Porter Adamson; Sadie, Walker, Logan, and Emmett Williams; Audrey and Demi Adamson; Luke and Eli Buchanan; Bryer and Colton Presnell; Darcy Tripp.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Mickey and Mattie Thompson; her first husband, Vaiden Smalley; son, Steve Smalley; brother, LowRance Thompson (Marie); sister, Christine Bradford (Warren), (Glenn), (Brad); special sister-in-law, Wanda Platt; and great-grandson, Noah Riddle.

Celebrations of life will be held in Tallahassee, FL and Columbia, MS this fall to honor Dorothy’s memory.  

May her joyful spirit continue to inspire all who knew her.