Dorothy L. Steinbrink

Dorothy "Dottie" Lee Graves Steinbrink, age 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 3, 2018. Born in Dewey, IL on January 24, 1921, she was the daughter of the late James Reece Graves and Della Jane Graves. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Frank Steinbrink; her infant son, Jon Paul Steinbrink; her son, Charles Frank Steinbrink Jr.; her brothers, Bruce and Art Graves; her sister, Iva Graves Gaylord; her grandson-in-law, Paul Shammas; and her infant great-grandchildren triplets, Paul, Matthew, and Dorothy Shammas.

Dorothy graduated from Sadorus, IL High School and from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a B.S. in Botany. She married Charles Frank Steinbrink, whom she met at the University of Illinois, on October 9, 1942. Dorothy was a devoted and creative teacher for many years at Franklin Elementary School in Moline, IL where she taught fifth and sixth grades. Before she went back to teaching, she was a Cub Scout leader, Brownie and Girl Scout leader and trainer. After retirement, she became an accomplished painter.

Dorothy leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Elizabeth 'Beth' Kupsco and son-in-law, John 'Jack' Kupsco of Rocky Mount, NC; and her daughter-in-law, Anita 'Ann' Anderson Steinbrink of Laurinburg, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Steinbrink Williams and husband, Rob, of Raleigh, NC; Heidi Steinbrink Shammas of Savannah, GA; Christopher Kupsco and wife, Amy, of Denver, NC; Dr. Jeremy Kupsco and wife, Monica, of Doraville, GA; and Kiersten Kupsco Barnes and husband, Kenneth "Jason" Barnes of Nashville, NC; six great-grandchildren, Luke and Cameron Kupsco of Denver, NC; Abigail and Benjamin Kupsco of Doraville, GA; and Alan and Zoey Barnes of Nashville, NC; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rocky Mount, NC and Trimble Funeral Home, Moline, IL.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at UNC Nash Health Care Systems and the caregivers from Amada Senior Care and Pruitt Hospice for care and dedication, and special thanks to Dr. Daniel Crocker for his years of devoted care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tar River Chorus & Orchestra, P. O. Box 8255, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Condolences may be sent to Beth Kupsco, 732 Brassie Club Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.