Dovie M. Tinsley

Dovie was born on December 11, 1936 in Alma, Arkansas, to James Grover Winn and Stella Irene (Phipps) Winn as the oldest of three children. Dovie was a drum majorette at Alma High School and graduated in 1954. After graduating, she was offered a job at Merchants National Bank in Fort Smith in the Auto Finance Department. Dovie loved her job and worked in almost every department at the bank, including Human Resources, Student Loans, and Consumer Lending. During this time, Dovie was involved at the local, state and national level of Credit Women International. She also taught financing classes to the DECA students at Northside and Southside High Schools. She remained at the bank through the many name changes and retired as Vice President of the Central Branch of Regions on Rogers Avenue after 50 years in December of 2006.

In 1958, Dovie married James Robert “Jim Bob” Tinsley at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. They had one daughter, Fran Thueson. They were married just two weeks short of their 49th wedding anniversary when Jim Bob passed away.

Dovie remained a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. She was an active member serving on almost every committee and wherever she was needed. Dovie also joined the Fort Smith Noon Lions Club in 1989 as the first female member of the club. She was a proud member for over 32 years. She also served on the Board for Methodist Village Senior Living for over 20 years. Dovie enjoyed many other activities, but by far her favorite was watercolor painting. Over the years, she painted many beautiful paintings that her family and friends will continue to enjoy. Dovie lived a wonderful and full life, touching lives at work, at church, and in the community.

Dovie is survived by her daughter, Fran and husband Daniel Thueson of Tontitown; two grandchildren, Laura McComb and husband, Josh, and Phillip Milam; four great grandchildren, Tate McComb, Asher McComb, Eli Milam, and Elsa Milam; a sister, Sue Hughes and a brother, James Winn and wife, Sharon. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with the service following at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be a private service at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on Monday, April 14, 2025, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Thueson, Phillip Milam, Eli Milam, Josh McComb, Asher McComb, Brian Hughes, and Rick Esselbach. Honorary Pallbearers are the members of the Fort Smith Noon Lions Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4100 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72904 or Fort Smith Noon Lions Club, P.O. Box 5057, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com