Dorothy Culpepper Worsham
Born November 23, 1937 to James Marion (Buster) Culpepper and Lorena Ivy Culpepper in Collinsville, Texas.
Married Thomas (Tom) Worsham, Sr., June 29, 1956 in Collinsville United Methodist Church.
Survivors: Rikki Evans, husband Don, of Collinsville, Texas; Rhonda Worsham of Seminole, Texas and Thomas Worsham, Jr., wife Marva, of Collinsville. Grandson, Nicholas Evans and wife Emily of Whitesboro, Texas, great-granddaughter Ava Evans of Whitesboro. Siblings, Jerry Culpepper, Sue Hanning, Sandra Plummer, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and loving friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Buster and Lorena Culpepper, husband of 57 years Tom Worsham, Sr., siblings Baby Buster Culpepper, Jim Culpepper, Merzon Culpepper, and Steve Culpepper.
When Tom and Dorothy gave birth to their son, Tom Jr., he was born a “blue baby” and was incubated for a period of time. Tom went to the chapel at the hospital and prayed. He vowed to dedicate their lives to children; and that they did. From Sunday school, school parents, PTA, camp fire girls, boy scouts, park board, school sponsored extra-curricular activities, Collinsville Library, vacation Bible School, and a community daycare center, The Playhouse to many more.
For generations Dorothy cared for children of all ages. Her love for children is her legacy. Her vision of what a community could be when the children are nurtured and guided by love and guidance is evident. Her “kids” are still her kids. As parents and grandparents now, Dorothy’s “kids” have fond loving memories of her care.
One day last summer, at the daycare, Dorothy was helping fill-in. After nap-time Dorothy was seen with a duck row of toddlers marching and singing to get their diapers changed. That was her. The Pied Piper and the children happily followed. She could calm the crying frustrated child with a lap and gentle voice, while redirecting another child into the right direction. She filled vacation Bible School with more children and teachers than her small church had seen in decades. She read books to the children and mesmerized them by her voice. She and Tom established a bus ministry to gather the children and take them to church on Sunday morning.
If you knew Dorothy, and you were one of her “kids” or a parent of; she still remembered you. She still considered you as hers. She would smile, rocking in her chair and suddenly speak of one of her “kids” with which she had reconnected on Facebook.
Dorothy requested to have a memorial service in her church, Collinsville United Methodist. She planned songs, prayers, and music. She was organized. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will be a memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
My son, Joey went to Dorothy’s day care many years ago. She was so good with children and ran the day care so well. They both learned and had fun activities. We have fond memories of that time and were saddened to hear of her passing.
Sweet Dorothy you will be very missed . You & Tom were the parents to all the children that came in your life. I am very blessed that my son started in your home along with a handful more an oh the sweet Polaroid pics that you would take just for the occaisions..I love you Prayers for your family.
Your smile and kindness will be missed. You brought so much joy to so many. Rest in heaven. We love you!
I never doubted how much Dorothy loved my children from infants to adults. Her love was obvious and abundant. She will be greatly missed. Rest in heavenly peace, sweet lady.
What a legacy Mrs. Dorothy left her town of Collinsville! She was so special to me and my boys who attended the Play House. Mrs. Dorothy loved them and was always so kind to everyone that walked through the door. Even at the end of the day, she would always have a smile on her face. We will always be so grateful to her for her love of her children and community. Our prayers are with the family for their loss of this wonderful woman.
I first became to know Dorthy and Tom traveling to other churches for youth choir musical Good News. That smile of hers let you know that she lived the Good News. She always made me feel special when I bumped into her. I bet that was the way she was for all. Much love to the Worsham family.
We will miss you dearly.
Dorothy and her family are so awesome and caring I took care of them all at the hospital she had a heart of gold and always a smile which her daughter carry’s on even during this hard time rest my sweet lady and make heaven a better place ?????
You will be missed!
Our dear Dorothy touched so many lives. She had such a precious sweet smile and cheerful greeting. I am blessed to have known her.. and send my prayers for comfort to her family at this time.
When I told my son Scott that Dorothy had passed away, he said that you’re talking about the lady who lived across from us when we lived in Collinsville. He said that she always reminded him of his Mema (aka Shirley McCorkle)
Such a kind gentle woman. She will be missed dearly.
My son Brian went to the Playhouse. I never had to worry about him while I was at work.
I knew that Dorothy and Marva were taking good care of him. He was treated like their own child.
Such a wonderful couple that raised three wonderful, sweet kids. A beautiful family that is a big part of the foundation of our small little hometown. You will be missed Dorothy!
No words can be spoken. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Heaven gained a lovely, kind angel. She will be sorely missed by all. Love & Prayers.
Everyone loved Dorothy! She was a treasure and will be greatly missed!
“It was truly a pleasure working with Dorthy for 13 years. Dorthy was my rock, my boss, mother and most of all a very good friend to my son Jay and I both. She will be deeply missed. My God bless the family.
Lifting your entire family up in prayer. A beautiful tribute to your special mother. I will never forget her huge laugh when I told her there was a man snoring in the bedroom. I was terrified! It was your dog! I had never heard a dog snore and she couldn’t quit laughing. A life well lived, may she rest in joy and eternal peace!
Tom and Dorothy were so kind to my husband and me when we first moved to Collinsville. I will never forget her generosity and kindness.
What a kind and giving soul Mrs. Dorothy had. She was one of a kind. Her devotion to the children of our community touched so many lives. She will be missed.
To the sweetest lady may you rest easy. Please guide us from above with your loving hands and kind heart.
My girls Megan and Lesleigh both went to the Playhouse. Dorothy was always such a sweet lady. Prayers for the family??
Dorothy, you were one of the sweetest and loving ladies I have ever met.You are dearly loved and missed.You were called home to carry on the rest of your journey and help with the children in heaven.Praying for your family.
Growing up in Collinsville and going to school with Rikki I visited Dorothy and Toms home many times. Dorothy was never anything less that kind and loving. She will be missed. Much love to Rikki and Tom and their families.
My girls Megan and Lesleigh both went to the Playhouse. Dorothy was always such a sweet lady. Prayers for the family??