Dorothy Ann Williams Shumpert was born on June 27, 1949 in Holly Grove, AR, and passed away with her husband of 58.5 years Earl Shumpert Sr, at her side at 2:14 AM January 30th, 2026 at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, AR. Dorothy was proceeded in death by all members of her birth family. Parents, RC & Helen Williams of Holly Grove, AR; sister, Annie Thurmond of Chicago, IL; brothers, Cladus (Tye) Nunn of Raymore, MO, (Clementine) Jerry (Joyce) Lee Summit, MO; Robert C. and Terry of Kansas City (Bobbie); and her oldest son, Earl Shumpert; Jr in Tacoma, WA.
Dorothy grew up in Holly Grove and graduated high school as class Salutatorian in May 1966. She enrolled in AM&N College (UAPB) in Pine Bluff, AR, that fall to pursue a degree in business education, where, within weeks, she met Earl Shumpert, Sr., and their immediate fondness for each other guided them to marry on September 2, 1967 (She was 18 and he was 17). They began a remarkable fairy tale life’s journey, which lasted until she was called home on January 30th, 2026, with Earl at her bedside keeping his promise to love and care for her “until death due them part”.
Dorothy was a remarkable person who was modest and shunned the limelight, preferring to let recognition of her talents be judged by the success of the many lives she touched. Earl always expressed to others that she made him a better person and was the “rock” upon which their family was built and sustained. Dorothy started their family with two sons, Edwin Jr. and Anthony, while pursuing a degree, and took courses during the summer session to still graduate only one year after Earl in 1971. Dorothy later went on to earn a Master’s Degree in education from Southeastern Oklahoma State (SOSU) in 1980. In addition to her own family, she enjoyed the close relationship with families of her siblings; so close that she and sister-in-law Clementine Nunn preferred the same fragrance of a special perfume.
Dorothy’s working life journey begin as a military spouse with experiences that took her from Arkansas to Germany for a year, and later to Broken Bow, OK, where she taught high school business subjects for seven years before the family moved to Federal Way, WA in 1981. Her career in education would eventually include teaching positions at almost every grade level from headstart in Jonesboro, AR in 1973 to JR College in Fort Worth, TX. in 1993, and until retirement in Puyallup, WA in 2015. Dorothy was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, having joined a graduate chapter in Tacoma, WA. After retirement she continued to enjoy frequent exchange with friends in all walks of life that she gained throughout her working career. Dorothy’s career achievements in education were often overshadowed by Earl’s 16 career job changes in corporate and government organizations, but he is quick to share that whatever career success in which he may be credited is because he “always had Dorothy’s support.”
Dorothy possessed a caring heart for children; her two sons; her two grandchildren and the hundreds she had the joy of sharing her knowledge throughout a working career that lasted nearly 40 years.
She was insistent in retirement that the family household budget be adjusted to allow for monthly reoccurring donations to St. Jude, Shriners, Save the Children, and Mercy Ships. Her love for children was second only to love for her own family, and she often mentioned how blessed she felt that God had allowed her to enjoy more than 20 years of closeness with her grandchildren and witness their development and growth into fantastically responsible and mature adults.
Dorothy and Earl, at times, would discuss their personal desires for when the day of sadness arrived and hope God would make their transition quick so as not to burden their family, on January 30th, 2026 her prayer was answered as she made the transitional journey within 12 hours of collapsing at home.
Dorothy is survived by her spouse of 58.5 years, Earl Shumpert Sr., of Sherwood, AR; her son Anthony (Shanda); and her grandchildren Aspen and Reed, all of Tacoma, WA; Sister-in- Law Clementine Nunn (Kansas City, Mo); Sister-in-laws Winnie, Joe’anner, Deloise, Sarah; and brothers-in-law Nathaniel and Theodore. Shumpert Cousins: Carol, Thomas Jr, Lance, Vivica, Debra, John Jr, Odell, Greg, Steven, Michael, Kimberly, Calvin Jr, Kyle and Tiffany. Williams Cousins: Renee, Carolyn, Carl, Terry Jr, Yvette, Tammy, Laeveil, Reginal, Ranielle. Jerrica and a host of extended family members and friends across the country that will miss her more than words can say.
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Our family thanks everyone for your prayers and condolences and ask that in lieu of flowers or cards that you consider making a donation to an organization of your choice that supports the needy and/or become a blood donor.
A Viewing will be held from 10:30-11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services in Celebration of Dorothy’s life at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, in the Chapel of Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St. Little Rock, AR. 72202.
Services will be streamed on the Ruffin & Jarrett Facebook Page.
Internment 1 p.m. at Arkansas Veterans Cemetery; 1501 W. Maryland Ave North Little Rock, AR 72120
(The urn of Earl Shumpert, Jr (3.31.68- 2.21.24) will be placed to rest with his mother Dorothy)
A repass will immediately follow at Lindsey’s Hospitality House, 207 Curtis Sykes Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114.
My condolence to family
Rudolph Frazier
NLR AR 72116-7261
I want to extend my sincere condolences to my great Auntie’s husband and the whole family. This is such a difficult loss, and I’m truly praying that God wraps you in comfort and gives you the strength to get through each day. You are all in my thoughts. From your Chicago Family!!!
I was a student of Ms. Shumpert’s in 9th grade, this was in the year 2012-2013,and I carry her impact with me to this day. She was always kind and encouraging when I was just starting my high school journey, yet she held us to high standards that challenged us to be our best. Today, I’m a teacher myself, and teachers like her, passionate, caring, and dedicated, are the reason I believe so deeply in public education. She will always be an inspiration to me. May her family be comforted during this difficult loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
For about the last10 years of our teaching, after Dorothy joined our school, she was not only a wonderful colleague but also my best friend, supporter, sounding board, consoler, and role model. She was the same to others as well. After we both retired, she remained my friend, even while our living at a long distance made that more difficult. She was humble, hard-working, caring and determined to keep the her freshman students focused on the learning necessary for positive futures. I do not believe I would have survived those years had it not been for Dorothy’s kindness and supportive ear. Not only did she befriend me at school, but she invited me to family holiday gatherings, generously folding me into her family. I do and will miss her greatly, but am filled with gratitude for her friendship and for the kindnesses of her and her family. May her family be comforted when remembering her.