Dora Ellen Wills Mcalpin

Mrs. Dora McAlpin, 85, Cafeteria Food Service, died 4/21/23 at North MS Medical Center in Eupora, MS. Funeral Services were held 10:00 AM Tuesday 4/25/23 at Mathiston First Baptist Church with burial in Crossroads/Deweese Cemetery in Choctaw County, MS. Rev. Bubba Bland officiated. Pallbearers were; Phillip Reed, Brent Monroe, Carroll Fulgham, Dyllan Reed, Johnny Gilbert, Robby Monroe, Shannon Fulgham, James Wills and Randy Wills. She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Rubye Wills of Choctaw County and three siblings; Leon Wills, Truman Wills, and Audie Wills. She was also preceded in death by her husband L. Dean McAlpin of Mathiston. She is survived by her four siblings; George Wills, Robert Wills, Jo Robertson and Polly Gilbert. She is survived by her three children; Deanie McAlpin (Benny) Jones, Joye McAlpin (David) Patterson and Lavelle McAlpin. She is survived by her four grandchildren; Jared Patterson, Drew Patterson, Kimberly Jones and Baileigh Jones Tillman and her nine great grandchildren; Logan Patterson, Evie Patterson, Judah Patterson, Elliot Patterson, Samuel Patterson, Eden Patterson, Bree Patterson, Ellen Tillman and Roman Tillman. She was known as "Ms. Dora" to most in the community, and served for 25 years in food services for the Webster County School District. She loved serving the students and made it a special point to be a smiling face to all. She served for over 40 years at Mathiston First Baptist Church as a preschool teacher and in the church nursery. Rather than simply being a baby-sitter, she always prepared a lesson that provided simple stories about the Christian faith. It would be impossible to count the number of young people she serviced during her time at both the school and the church. Her life could be defined as one of "service above self" and she was both admired and loved by her family and her community. "Ms. Dora" loved bass fishing in her earlier years and was a lifelong fan of television westerns and western movies. Her favorite actor was World War II hero Audie Murphy. She also enjoyed God's creations and spent her entire life putting other people first: dedicated to her parents, siblings and children, caring and devoted to her husband., and a true friend to the entire community. She loved her hometown of Mathiston, Mississippi and always spoke of building things up rather than criticizing or tearing them down. The family wishes to thank the Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue for their work and the medical personnel at North MS Medical Center in Eupora. Also, we appreciate so much the support of the entire community at this difficult time. The family requests that contributions be made to Palmer Home for Children 800 Baldwin Road S., Lake Cormorant, MS 38641. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of all arrangements.