Juanita Mae Thompson

Juanita Mae Thompson, 93, resident of Okmulgee, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family and caregivers. She was born February 5th, 1922 in Gage, Oklahoma to the late James Nathan and Lillie Mae Brink. They moved to Shawnee when their children were ready for college. After graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University, she was employed in Tulsa by the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company as a home service director. Her assignment brought her to Okmulgee where she met Bob Thompson. Soon thereafter they were married at the First Christian Church on May 26th, 1946 and enjoyed 53 years together until his untimely death in 1999. Mrs. Thompson joined her husband to work at the family owned Thompson Pump Company for many years. Later James Thompson joined the team. Family and Friends were the center or Mrs. Thompson's world. Her sense of humor was delightful and her laughter contagious. When she became a Grandmother she said, "I was born to be a Grandma!' Her love for her pets, especially her dog Lucky Lady was one of many things that filled her life with love and joy. For many years she taught Sunday school and helped with youth groups at church. Juanita was involved in PEO, Sesame and the Garden Club until she became unable to participate. Always eager to help her children Juanita was a 'regular' for school adventures and band trips. Known as an accomplished cook nothing pleased her more than to have a crowd gather for a dinner and fun! As an avid gardener Mrs. Thompson loved working in her gardens. She created a palette of color with plants that changed throughout the year. Many people stopped to admire her beautiful garden creations. Fishing was another delight for Mrs. Thompson. She could be ready to go fishing in 10 minutes! Whether in a farm pond, on a lake or on the sea she managed to catch her limit! Not one to slack on what needed to be done she liked to clean the fish and whatever Bob or James would bring home from hunting. Traveling was a time for exploring the world and having family share good times. Mrs. Thompson enjoyed trips near and far from home. She never tired of learning about people and their way of living. She also found humor wherever she went! Until a few weeks ago her "get-up-and-go philosophy" continued. Thanks to her daytime helper, Jennifer Foster, she swam, went to pottery class, and shopped during daily outings. Shalon Lewis, Aimee Greenhaw and Mary Molina were care-givers who kept Mrs. Thompson happy, loved and well. At 89 a cochlear implant enabled Juanita to hear better than she had for several decades. It improved her quality of life which gave her the opportunity to participate in conversations and to have an enhanced life. Juanita is survived by her son James Thompson and his wife Brenda, and daughter Mary Marie Berschback and her husband Thomas of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Other survivors include sister-in-laws Mary Ann Allan and Virginia Brink. Grandchildren are Meghan Berschback Boomhower and Julie Berschback Riedy, Deon Stark, Kelsy Thompson, Shelly and B.J. Thompson. Twelve Great Grandchildren were fortunate to have such a lively Great Grandmother. Other survivors include nieces Mary Beth Thomas, Joan Martin, Susan Brody, Martha Fenger, Carol Burden and nephews Jim Brink, Tom Davis, Harry Pitchford, John Pitchford, and Mike Burke. Mrs. Thompson is predeceased by her sister Jeanetta Hunt, brothers John Brink and Jim Brink. Our family has gratitude for the care given to our mother by Dr. Thomas Alexander, Sharon McCal, Diane and Sammie and the nursing staff of Good Shepherd Hospice who helped each of us in countless ways. Friday a memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church in Okmulgee at 1:00 P.M. A reception will follow the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Thomas Alexander, Charles Brown, Charles Fisher, Carl Hall, John Ingleson, Alan Frasier, Lenard Thomas, and B.J. Thompson. Internment will be private. Memorials may be made in Juanita's name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Metro D.C. Chapter, (Attention: Sarah Melrose), 6931 Arlington Road, Suite B, Bethesda, Md. 20815 Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Juanita’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com

Juanita Mae Thompson

February 5, 1922 - May 16, 2015