Norma Louise Thompson

Norma Louise (Smith) Thompson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister-in-christ passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 6, 2024 at the age of 82. Cancer took the physical body as she received her ticket to paradise and eternal everlasting life. A woman of grace and dignity, she is clothed in Royal Garments of Heaven and crowned by her Savior as he says "Well done, my faithful servant." Those left behind are grieving the loss of our earthly angel, while praising God that she has no more pain, suffering, and is now our Heavenly Angel.

She is the daughter of the late Archie Smith and the late Ollie Bell Smith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Lamar Thompson Sr.; one granddaughter, Savannah Lee; seven siblings, Margie Starling, Leroy Smith, Cecil Smith, Bill Smith, Barbara Abercrombie, Lloyd Smith, and Melba Wingate.

Born 12-16-41 in Jacksonville, FL Norma was the 8th of 10 children born to Archie and Ollie Smith. Mom had a gift of voice and music which she used to glorify God. Mom started at an early age playing the viola. Her talent allowed her to travel to Carnegie Hall to play 2nd Chair with the Junior Orchestra. A Class of 1959 graduate from Paxon High School in Jacksonville, FL she was courted by Donald Thompson where their love for one another would blossom. Don and Norma were married 2-19-1960 and would spend the next 62 years creating a wonderful and blessed life. Don and Norma had 3 children which kept her extremely busy as a homemaker and together they guided, protected, and provided. As her children, we were fortunate to be raised in a God fearing, Bible believing home full of love. When it came to patience, mom wrote the book on "The Art of Patience", especially with the boys, and I can't recall mom ever raising her voice.Mom could stretch a dollar unlike any other, and we never went without. Known for her southern cooking, dinner time around the table was something we all looked forward to!

Norma would begin her 2nd career as a Legal Secretary at NEFSH (Baker County, FL) where she developed several life long friendships. After 18 years, mom retired to begin a new chapter. Traveling across the USA to many of Don's job sites allowed her to see and explore 48 of the 50 States. Mom loved to travel and would visit many places overseas with Israel being a repeated, favorite destination. She would often take trips with her sisters with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. From early childhood throughout her life the sisters were known as "The Smith Girls." As children we were able to witness this bond and have many incredible memories of growing up with our cousins.

Passing through a small town, Horse Cave, KY they found property and immediately laid down what would be their final destination. Side by side they built a beautiful home where they enjoyed morning coffee on the back porch watching the deer and turkey stroll through the yard nibbling on the cracked corn. Mom had several bird feeders and loved to watch the birds coming by to visit. Her thumb was green and you would often hear her talking to her plants as though they needed a few encouraging words. Her nurturing side was evident in many realms of her life.

Norma was known for her compassion, constant smile, and her ability to only see the good in others. Her work ethic was unmatched as relaxing to her was on the front porch shelling a bushel of peas, or putting up garden vegetables. Life wasn't always easy, but she never complained. A woman of strong faith taught her to look towards God for guidance and direction. As her daughter, mom left a profound legacy that has influenced and shaped my life. I will be eternally grateful for the values that you instilled and that I got to call you "mama". Until we meet on the other shore.......Love.

She is survived by her three children, Donald Lamar Thompson, Jr. (Libby) of Macclenny, FL, Lisa Smith (William) of Atlantic Beach, FL, and Larry Thompson of Horse Cave, KY; eight grandchildren, Kristin Thompson, Michael Thompson, Robert Thompson, Alyssa Stewart (Shawn), Matthew Thompson, Katharine Lindsay Jasonek, Scott Staggers, Travis Staggers, and Trevor Smith; her two siblings, Mary Sheppard (John) and David Smith (Glenda) also survive. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM CT on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Temple Baptist Church, 388 Longhunters Trail, Glasgow, KY 42141. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM CT on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Temple Baptist Church with Pastor Robby officiating. Burial will follow at the family Cemetery at 850 Hardy Valley Rd, Horse Cave, KY 42749. 

Condolences may be expressed online at www.brooksfuneralhomeky.com