Jo Thompson
VISITATION
Sunday, December 21, 2025 From 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM
Monroe First Methodist Church
FUNERAL INFORMATION
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Monroe First Methodist Church
400 S Broad Street
Monroe, GA
INTERMENT
Westlawn Cemetery
OBITUARY
Ollie Jo Wilson Thompson was a Monroe resident for over six decades. At age 93 she passed away on December 16, 2025.
She was born at home on September 11, 1932 in Newton County, GA. Jo was very passionate about music and was privileged to receive both piano and voice lessons while growing up. Some of her favorite childhood pastimes were playing with dolls, marbles, jacks, and puzzles, and games such as hopscotch, jump rope, and checkers. She and her sister shared a bicycle. Jo was a graduate of Palmer Stone High School. She walked to school every day, no matter the weather. Her parents both worked the night shift at the cotton textile mill, so she had many responsibilities including taking care of her younger sister, Jere, making sure they both got their homework done, etc.
After graduating high school, Jo attended Drone's Business School of Commerce in 1950, where she attained an Associate's Degree in Secretarial Skills. She worked at Dietz Brothers Department Store in hosiery and fabrics, and then a the Ginn Motor Company in Covington, where she met the dashing John T. Thompson on a blind date with another couple. They were married November 1, 1953. In her teen years, Jo had hopes of becoming a nurse or a teacher. She got to fulfill those dreams informally as she and John raised their five adored children.
Jo was a very active member at this church, formerly called First United Methodist Church, for 60 plus years. She served on many committees such as United Methodist Women, Chancel Choir, Alter Guild, Administrative Board, and the Worship Committee, and held offices such as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, Family Night Supper Coordinator, and many other behind-the-scene responsibilities. Her passion for singing in the choir and playing piano brought Jo and those around her much joy. The sound of her lovely, operatic voice filled the whole sanctuary!
Jo also had a love for gardening and received an award for a faithful 30 years of dedication and membership in the Monroe Garden Club. She was an avid Bridge player for 70 years, and an excellent cook!
Jo and her husband were married for 69 and a half years! They were blessed in their commitment to God, each other, their family, church and community. For 25 years, they traveled extensively, with several other couples. It was a reward for the hard work of raising their five children and keeping their businesses going in order to sustain their beloved family.
Jo was a deeply loyal wife, dedicated mother, loving grandmother, doting great grandmother, and steadfast friend.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Veale and Lora Inez Sears Wilson; loving husband, John Thurman Thompson; sister, Millie Geraldine Wilson Morris Summerour, and youngest son, Michael Keith Thompson. She is survived by her children, John Derek Thompson (Kimberly) of Ocala, FL, Steven Kenneth Thompson (Robin) of Athens, GA, Gregory Philip Thompson (Rene) of Monroe, GA, and Jennifer Jo Thompson Glass (Greg) of Plainfield, IN; her grandchildren, Michael Thompson (Katie) of Athens, GA, Blake Thompson of Gainesville, FL, Paige Thompson (Franklin) of Gainesville, FL, Bryan Thompson of Gainesville, FL, Brandon Thompson of Gainesville, FL, Nick Thompson of Athens, GA, Savannah Glass Goins (Ben) of Center Point, IN, and Victoria Glass Cherian (Ashish) of Irvington, IN; her great grandchildren, Tessa Jo Goins, Zayan John Cherian, and Asha Lilly Cherian.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Chancel Choir of the Monroe First Methodist Church of at 400 S Broad St, Monroe, Georgia, 30655.
Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery.
Meadows Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com.