Lillie Margaret Thompson's Obituary
Lillie Margaret Thompson, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Middletown, Ohio on March 5, 2025. Born April 12, 1934, in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Hershel and Josephine Elvira (Clements) Johnson, Lillie lived a life defined by dedication to family and tireless work ethic.
As a young woman, Lillie migrated to California, settling in the San Francisco Bay area where she attended school. In Fresno, California, she worked as a farm worker and lovingly raised four daughters: Violet, Retha, Sandra, and Brenda. Despite never owning a car or learning to drive, Lillie consistently provided for her family through her resourcefulness and determination. She was always busy-sewing, keeping an immaculate home, and serving as a devoted group leader for the Brownies.
Through friends, Lillie met James Thompson, and they were married on March 23, 1963, in Fresno, California. James, originally from Bixby, Oklahoma, became a loving father to Lillie's four daughters, who cherished him as their own. The family returned to James' hometown, where he worked as a produce farmer while the girls were raised in the Bixby-Glenpool area.
Working tirelessly from sun up to sun down, Lillie labored alongside her husband in the fields while maintaining her role as a wonderful homemaker. Together, they welcomed three more children into their family: James, Alice, and Lily.
An avid fisher and camper, Lillie also took great pleasure in sewing and canning food for the winter months. She created a safe home filled with love and care, embodying the qualities of a truly devoted mother.
In retirement, Lillie and James moved to Grand Lake where they spent their remaining years together. There, they discovered genuine happiness fishing on the lake and forming cherished friendships with many in the community.
Lillie is survived by her seven children: Violet, Retha, Sandra, Brenda, James, Alice, and Lily; as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.
A funeral ceremony to celebrate Lillie's life will be held 1 PM Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in the Rivercrest Chapel. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 PM Monday evening, also at Rivercrest. Lillie will be laid to rest next to her husband, James in the Bixby Cemetery.
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