Dorothy Mae Fryar

Her legacy is one of faith, family, and the assurance that love endures beyond this life into the promises of Heaven.

After a life full of dedication to the Lord she so faithfully served, Dorthy Mae Vandygriff Fryar, age 85, entered into her Heavenly Home after departing this life on Saturday, September 25, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi with family by her side.

Services honoring the life of Mrs. Dorthy will be at 11 AM Thursday October 2, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripely Funeral Home, with lifelong friends Bro. Doc Shelton and Bro. Kenneth Harrison officiating, along with grandson, Bro. Dewayne Vandygriff sharing personal reflections. Visitation will be from 10 AM until 11 AM on Thursday October 2, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Lowry Church Cemetery in Tippah County.

Born on December 1, 1939, at home in Benton County, Mrs. Dorothy was the daughter of the late Herman Walter and Ora Greer Vandygriff. She began her education at the old Dumas School and graduated from Pisgah High School, later working for many years in the cafeteria of Tippah County Hospital. Though she was a dedicated worker, her most cherished and lifelong calling was that of a devoted caretaker and homemaker.

A Christian and faithful member of the Southern Baptist faith, Mrs. Dorothy lived a life marked not by wealth or worldly possessions, but by a deep spirit of giving. Though she never had much in material things, she shared abundantly in love, encouragement, and care. She was the type of woman who would give all she had if it meant helping her family.

Her life was not without sorrow, as she endured the heartache of losing three children. Yet in her grief, she found strength in her Savior and poured her love into her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, helping to raise them and giving them the stability and warmth of her presence. Her family will forever remember her constant phone calls, always checking in, her sweet laugh that could lighten any burden, and her gentle smile that filled every room she entered.

In her quiet moments, Mrs. Dorothy enjoyed reading, crocheting, and watching television. But her true joy was found in being surrounded by family-her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends-each of whom knew that her door, her heart, and her helping hands were always open.

Mrs. Dorothy's legacy is not measured by riches, but by the love she poured out freely and the countless lives she touched. To her family, she was not only a mother and grandmother, but also a steady rock of faith, comfort, and unconditional love.

Those left to cherish her memories include one son, Billy Joe Vandygriff, one brother, Charles Vandygriff, two sisters, Mary Ann Robinson, and Louise Thomas (Miles), three grandchildren, eight great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dorothy was preceded in death by two sons, Johnny Smith and Milton Smith, own daughter, Mary Joyce Burchett, one sister, Hermie Plaxico, and two brothers, Walter and Clifford Vandygriff.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories.