Longtime High Point showroom manager Wanda Dobbins dies
Worked for Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth, Directional for 30-plus years
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 25, 2008
HIGH POINT — Wanda Ridge Dobbins, showroom manager for high-end furniture producers Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth and Directional Furniture for more than 30 years, has died.
Dobbins started in administration and customer service with the old Tomlinson factory at Market Square. She became director of customer service and was promoted to showroom manager in 1983, when the building was converted into showrooms. She serviced accounts across the country, and she worked until her death.
Dobbins pioneered the concept of the High Point Showroom Assn., which serves the design trade year-round. The 22-year-old organization now includes more than 60 showrooms.
“From my standpoint, she was ‘Ms. Tomlinson’,” said Rod Lambeth, president and owner of Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth. “She was a rock. The Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth family will truly miss her. Her contributions to our success are infinite.”
Dobbins was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a brother. She is survived by two daughters, a sister, a brother and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1225 Chestnut Dr., High Point. After the service, the family will receive friends in the Asbury Room of the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Living Proof Ministries, P.O. Box 840849, Houston, Texas 77284, or to LoveLine of High Point Regional Health System, Development Office, P.O. Box HP-5, High Point, N.C. 27261.
A guest book has been set up in her name at www.mem.com.



























