Dorothy L.

Thompson

Dorothy Louise Thompson, 88, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, following a period of hospice care.

Born Dorothy Louise Carson on December 23, 1937, in Century Florida. Dorothy spent much of her childhood between Los Alamos, New Mexico and Century, Florida. Growing up, she was especially close to her maternal grandmother, Mama Ruth, whose love and care she remembered fondly throughout her life.

Dorothy was a woman of many talents, strong opinions, and a wonderfully direct way of communicating. If she wanted to know something, she asked – and those who knew and loved her were rarely left wondering what was on her mind.

An exceptionally talented cook and baker, Dorothy made the kitchen a welcoming place while raising her four children – Chris, Donna, Paula and Herby. Family life was filled with home-cooked meals, Sunday desserts, and opportunities for her children to learn alongside her. From her spectacular fried chicken and collard greens to tacos and her famous orange pound cake and much-loved tostadas, she had a gift for making meals memorable. Her love of cooking lives on through her children and remains an important part of her legacy.

Dorothy was equally gifted with a sewing machine, making beautiful dresses for her daughters, Donna and Paula, and years later, for her granddaughter, Erica. She was creative in many other ways as well, with a keen eye for decorating, fashion and making a home her own. She enjoyed gardening, reading, home projects and traveling, and practiced yoga and embraced healthy eating long before it became as commonplace as they are today. After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, she began working outside the home – first in retail at Sage Allen in Windsor Connecticut and for many years at the State of Connecticut Health Department where she was an administrative assistant. Later in life, Dorothy earned her bachelor’s degree - an accomplishment that reflected her determination and willingness to continue learning and growing.

Her grandchildren’s early memories of “Grandma” include sleepovers, baking, crafts, gardening, holiday celebrations, special outings and fishing trips with Grandma and Pops. Dorothy made it a priority to attend their events, from Grandfriends Day to soccer games and plays, and had a gift for making occasions feel special. Her granddaughter, Erica, still fondly remembers trips to the ballet with Grandma, wearing clothing Grandma had sewn especially for her, including a beautiful dress and a lovely red coat and matching muff.

Dorothy loved bringing family and friends together for holiday celebrations. Easter egg hunts, elaborate Thanksgiving spreads, and her eagerly anticipated Fourth of July parties became cherished traditions. Her Fourth of July gatherings filled her home with food and conversation, fireworks, children staying up past their bedtimes, movies, and spirited poker games with Pops and his friends that stretched past midnight. These were celebrations her family and friends always looked forward to, creating memories they continue to treasure.

She is survived by her four children, Chris Carrington (Cheryl), Donna Bibbens, Paula Santos (Ed) and Herbert Reeves, Jr. (Rosa); her grandchildren, Raymond Bagley, Lisa Riley, LaTisha Bibbens, Chris Bibbens, Erica Santos-Johnson (Nico), Steven Santos, Michael Santos, Kevin Reeves (Samantha), Andre Reeves; her great-grandchildren Camila Santos-Johnson and Sienna Reeves; her siblings Claybourne Carson (Susan), Chris Carson ( ), Mark Carson, Steven Carson, Michael Carson and Gail Wentler (Bruce); and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her Mother, Father, brothers

Dorothy’s life was full of creativity, resourcefulness, her fair share of challenges, and experiences that left their mark on the generations that followed her. Her family will remember the meals she made, the things she created with her hands, the celebrations she hosted, the traditions she began and the way she was unapologetically herself.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for late summer of 2027, when family will gather to remember her as Mom and Grandma. Details will be shared at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations of Providence, RI. Please visit www.hillskeffington.com for online condolences.