LORA MAE (BOBBIE) WHITE DUGAN

What a Sweet Lady

Born to Thomas Ralph White and Mary Alice Joines White on October 31, 1931 in Athens, Alabama. Her siblings were Marvin White, Catherine (Cat) White Stover, Marcella (Marcie) White Harris. Bobbie was the baby of the four. Legend says she got her nickname, Bobbie, from Marcella who was so young she couldn’t say “Itsy Bitsy Baby” but instead called her “Itsy Bitsy Bobbie”. That was the first of many ways she is known.

Known also as a loving daughter who was faithful to her parents. Known as a loving wife to Arnold Dugan, who preceded her in death on April 20, 2006. Also a loving sister because she loved her siblings and was close to them and loved them greatly until they also passed. She is known as Mother, Mom, Aunt Bobbie, G-Bob, and Gran-Bobbie. Known to her friends as Bobbie, Sister Bobbie and Sister Dugan.

Known by thousands by these different names, but the common denominator is sweetness. We all who knew her would say the same. Her kindness, willingness to help, hardworking, giving, praying, faith and many other sacrifices define her love.

Her greatest love was for her savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason we can grieve, but not as those with no hope.

We three kids knew her as “Mother”. Out of respect for sure, but probably because she fit the textbook mold. As a young mother, married to a traveling Bible salesman and Minister, she was often the caretaker of the home through the weekdays. Three kids to get to school, feed, clothe, (she made most of Debe’s and Kate’s clothes when they were young), shopping, cleaning and so forth. We still don’t know how she did it, because there were many times cousins would be at the house and times she would spend with her family, especially her sister, Marcella. They were close in age.

At a young age, she became a Christ follower and she and Arnold made that a priority for their family. Bobbie was a tremendous woman of faith. Her steadfast faith helped her three kids all through life in believing and trusting the LORD.

She was a pastor’s wife three times. Monterey, Shelbyville and in Gordonsville of what is now known as Christ Community Church. Arnold was the founding pastor which made her founding pastor’s wife. A position not for the weak. She considered the church as her extended family.

Her grandchildren are Craig Dugan, Lauren RaChelle (Ben)Breedlove, Joshua Dugan, Garrison (Brittany) Pilant, Keri BreAnn (Stephen) Duke, Wesley (Jasmine) Jones. 12 great grand-children and 1 great-great grandson.

Then there are the nieces and nephews. That’s a whole other pamphlet. The love for them I don’t think can be measured. You’ll know them by overhearing a story about “Aunt Bobbie”.

We can’t leave out those who knew her and those who knew her very well. You can’t really tell them apart even from family members because, as it is said, Bobbie was one of the sweetest ever known. To everyone.

Bobbie was so saddened by the death of her middle child, Kate on December 22, 1996. Then again by her husband, Arnold. If I could picture Heaven, it would be Mother and Kate hugging for who knows how long. Daddy would be standing there saying, “Lora Mae, when you’re thru, I’ll step in." And he will. Then her brother and sisters along with nieces & nephews who have gone on prior to today. But know this: when you get there, she’ll be the smiling face to make sure you get a hug. That’s Bobbie!

October 31, 1931 (dash) August 19, 2026

Oh, what a dash it was!