Obituary: Dorothy Raper Turnage
Dorothy Raper Turnage, 84, of LaGrange entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 16, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro.
Born on February 16, 1941, in Wilson, Dorothy was the daughter of Edgar and Thelma Raper, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Fike High School in 1959 and the following year, moved to Kinston after marrying the love of her life, Freeman Turnage. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and farming.
As a devoted farmer’s wife, Dorothy embraced her calling as a homemaker and mother. She was well-known for her southern meals and desserts, often made with fruits and vegetables she grew and preserved from her own garden. Nothing brought her more joy than feeding family and friends—a true expression of her love. Her passion for gardening included flowers, which she shared not only through her home garden but also through a small greenhouse business, inspiring a lifelong love of flowers in her daughters.
Dorothy’s talents extended to a small cake decorating business. Over the years, she created countless birthday and wedding cakes but the ones dearest to her heart were those she lovingly baked each year for her children and grandchildren’s birthdays.
Dorothy previously owned and operated Ma’s Hotdog House, where she transformed a small country gas station that sold hot dogs into a full-service grill that remains a community favorite today. She later spent many years working in the cafeteria at Bethel Christian Academy, where her kindness and care endeared her to both students and staff.
For more than 50 years, Dorothy was a faithful member of Bethel Church. Her church family meant the world to her, and she treasured the friendships she formed there, embracing the staff as her own extended family. Dorothy had a genuine love for people, and in return, she was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her strength and grace throughout her years of health challenges were a true inspiration to many.
In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Freeman Turnage, and brothers, Gene and Kenneth Raper.
She is survived by her daughters, Teresa O’Neal (Allen) of LaGrange and Beverly Lee (Jerry) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Austin O’Neal (Elizabeth), Logan O’Neal (Brittany), Amanda Crowley (Lucas), and Jordan Lee (Katelyn); and five great-grandchildren who were the apples of her eye. She also leaves behind her sisters, Mary Evelyn Smith, Margaret Smith, and Marie Barnett (Joe); many nieces and nephews; and her dearest friend of 55 years, Anne Farmer, who was like a sister to her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22 starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7:30 p.m. at Bethel Church in Kinston. Pastors Chris Truett, Bert Potter, and Allen Stocks will officiate. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Church’s TV Ministry, 1936 Banks School Road, Kinston, NC 28504, or to the Meals and More Ministry at Tanglewood Church, 2103 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504
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