Mollie Norman Tompkins

Mrs. Mollie Norman Tompkins, 51, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 2, 2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Mrs. Tompkins was born September 14, 1974, in Surry County, the oldest of three children born to the late Stephen Larry “Steve” Norman.

Mollie grew up in Mount Airy and graduated from North Surry High School in 1993. She later earned her degree from Gardner-Webb University in 2000. For many years, Mollie worked as a clinical social worker, dedicating much of her career to hospital and hospice care, where she compassionately supported patients and their families during life’s most difficult moments.

Mollie was truly one of a kind. She lived life boldly and fully, with a confidence and directness that drew people to her. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Mollie was often the life and heart of any gathering, bringing laughter and warmth wherever she went.

Above all, she loved her two children fiercely and was deeply involved in their lives, especially in their many extracurricular activities throughout their school years. Her devotion as a mother was unwavering and evident in all she did.

Mollie had a special way of making people laugh and lifting spirits, and the world was undeniably brighter with her in it. Though our hearts are broken, her family and friends find comfort in knowing she is with the Lord – at peace, healed and reunited with those who have gone before her.

She touched countless lives with her kindness, laughter, and beautiful spirit. While this world feels dimmer without her, her memory will continue to shine brightly in all who were blessed to know and love her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always carried in our hearts until we meet again.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Buddy Lynn Tompkins; a daughter, Josie Lynn Tompkins; a son, Clay Stephen Tompkins; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Jed Stephen and Alicia Norman and Zeb Harlie Norman; several nieces and nephews; several special aunts, uncles, and cousins; her chosen sisters, Julie Seivers, Betsy Johnson, Sharon Marion, and Stacy Burns; her special friends, Cheray Hensley, Hilda Combs, and Sallie Chappell; and her loving fur baby, Esther.

In addition to her father, Mrs. Tompkins was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Harlie and Annie Leonard Grey; her paternal grandparents, John Fred and Kathleen McCraw Norman; two special uncles, Troy Edwin Hardy and L.H. Hawks; a special first cousin, Stan Edwin Hardy; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Loyce Tompkins; and her best friend, Michele Rene Stanley.

A service of worship and celebration of Mollie’s life will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Highland Park Baptist Church, with Dr. Darrell Tate officiating. Burial will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 until 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.