Today we celebrate the life of Dorothy Jean Tamplen, known to family and friends as “Dot”. Dorothy was born on January 8, 1931, on a farm located in Grayson County near Dorchester, Texas, to Charles and Janie Jaresh. She attended school in Gunter, Texas and graduated as valedictorian in May of 1947. Dorothy married Jack Willis Tamplen on December 27, 1947, and they were blessed with two children: daughter, Linda Diane and son, Donnie Jay. She raised her family in Celina, Texas. They became active members of First Methodist Church of Celina.
Dorothy relocated to Denton, Texas, in 1979 to pursue a career with the Denton County Auditor’s office until her retirement in 1993. Her many interests included dancing, reading, puzzles and scrapbooking. However, she is most remembered for her photography. Dorothy and her sister, Betty Jane, would tour the countryside yearly with cameras in hand taking photographs of nature and God’s handiwork. Many of these photos were framed and could be viewed in her home. The remaining photos were placed in photo albums in chronological order which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. In fact, Dorothy had such a knack for photography that she was awarded many ribbons and awards at local art exhibits and fairs.
She is survived by her daughter Linda Stone of Gordonville, Texas and son, Donnie Tamplen of Carrollton, Texas; grandchildren, Lori Ann Nelson, Jody Lee Tamplen, and Paula Jean Waldron; seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Willis Tamplen; parents, Charles and Janie Jaresh; sister, Betty Jane Tate; and grandson, Mark Stone.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 109 S. Oklahoma Dr., Celina, Texas, 75009. The family will receive friends during a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina, Texas.