Louise Miller Thompson

Published 4:00 am Thursday, January 21, 2016

    Funeral services for Louise Miller Thompson will be held Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.

    Mrs. Louise Thompson, age 103, of Meridian passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at her home. Louise Thompson’s life was an example of a life lived well. A life that did not let war, the Great Depression, the Industrial Revolution, or an ever-evolving social climate change what was most important: church, family and friends. Living her life for those three priorities. First following her father, a Southern Baptist preacher, from church to church, and later following her husband, children and grandchildren from gym to gym watching thousands of basketball games in her lifetime. Her love for basketball lasting until the sights and sounds of the game could no longer be heard or seen.

    She raised two children in a home with strict rules, but also laughter and music. Pouring her heart into the piano wherever she played. Many times you could stand outside the house and hear the strains of “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Thou Art” flowing from her fingers. She would say that was therapy. Her gift from God. A gift she gave freely as a pianist at Carmel Baptist Church and Hebron Baptist Church throughout her adult life. A way of giving back to God and the church for giving her so much.

    And as children grew up and grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born, she was there to nurture, advise and love each and every one of them. Tutoring those who struggled, challenging those who thrived and handing out her wisdom to all who would listen. In her 103 years she outlived many who she would have rather gone before. Grieving their loss, but always believing in God’s plan. Never faltering, never falling, just living a life well.

    Survivors include her son, Gerald Wayne Thompson; daughter, Betty Thompson Flanagan (John); grandchildren, Tracy Neal (David) Rae Andreacchio (Todd), Chris Thompson (Melanie), Dustin Thompson, Kelli Flanagan Watson (Britt), Patrick Flanagan (Tema), Melissa Flanagan Buganski (David) and 11 great-grandchildren.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow W. “Woodie” Thompson; parents, the Reverend and Mrs. A.H. Miller, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Glenda Thompson; great-grandson; Christian Andreacchio; brothers; Curtis Miller, A.H. Miller, Jr.; sisters, Earline Smith and Annie Ruth Wright.

    Pallbearers will be Chris Thompson, Dusty Thompson, Patrick Flanagan, Britt Watson, Todd Andreacchio and David Neal.

    A special thanks to her care givers Joyce Cole, Sandra Avery and Arnetra Thomas for their kindness and devoted care. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

    Visitation was held Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, from 5-7 p.m., at the funeral home.