The mother of Chase and Logan, senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, passed away on April 15, 2019 while surrounded by her family, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. She was 89.

Lisa Michelle Toppins was born on February 2, 1930 in Laurel, Mississippi, and was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, John M. Toppins. He worked for 30 years as an instructor for the Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, and owned a television and appliance store in Barboursville, WV and was active in civic affairs having served on the City Council for 12 years. Both John and Lisa Toppins were long time members of University Baptist Church in Barboursville West Virginia.

In 2014, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Chase relocated his mother to Little Seven Mile so that he and his wife Jeannie could provide more care for her. Chase visited with his mother regularly and frequently wrote about her and her illness in his blog. He wrote, “Unless you knew my mom before the illness you really can’t understand how sad this really is.”

‘My mom was the strongest woman I’ve ever met. She wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything. She was a fierce Mama Bear. There are stories I can tell you — like the one when I was little kid and an older kid pulled a knife on me. My mother blew through the kitchen door like a tornado. I think that kid is still running from my mom.”

Until her health condition made it impossible, Mrs. Toppins was active in the life of the church at Brentwood Baptist, working with many ministry efforts including the Nurture Team. She was a gifted musician. Chase said, “her piano playing is the soundtrack of my life.”

Brian Dodridge, executive pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, said, “The Trustees, church staff, and many members of Brentwood Baptist who love our Pastor share in the loss of Lisa and will grieve along with Chase and his family.”

Mrs. Toppins is survived by her sons, Dr. Chase Toppins (Jeannie) and Logan Toppins; grandsons, Chris Toppins (Deb), Craig Toppins (Nan), Marshall Toppins, Brandon Frazier; three great-granddaughters and one great-grandson. She is also survived by her sisters, Frieda Taylor, and Jenny Gibson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Medical Dental Unit of Brentwood Baptist Church.