Alice Magruder Thompson

Of Arlington, VA, died August 2nd at Sunrise at Bluemont Park, where she had resided since 2008. She was born February 21, 1914, in Washington, DC, the daughter of Philip Brooke Magruder and Sarah Alice (Ballard) Magruder. A graduate of McKinley Tech HS in DC, she attended Richmond Normal School in Richmond, VA, and graduated from the State Teachers College in Farmville, VA, now known as Longwood University. Following her marriage to James Loyde Thompson in 1934, she moved to NC where she became a pilot, along with her husband, in the Civil Air Patrol. During WWII she flew support missions to aid surveillance off the NC coastline. She taught 2nd grade briefly in McLean in the mid 1950’s followed by a career as an Administrative Assistant for the Bureau of Naval Personnel from 1961 to 1976.

Since 1955 she had been a resident of Arlington where she was an active member of Clarendon United Methodist Church, the Powhatan Springs Woman’s Club, a book club and several bridge clubs. She volunteered as a tutor at the McKinley Elementary School. She also did volunteer work for the American Red Cross, and delivered Meals on Wheels until she was 89 years old. After retiring, Alice and her husband Jim spent happy years traveling, including many camping trips throughout the USA with camping clubs, family and friends. Widowed in 1982, she continued to travel both within the US and abroad. Always willing to help family, friends and neighbors, Alice was known for her compassion, her smile and her sweet disposition. For 58 years, she was a dedicated member of her church, where she often helped with bulletins, Sunday school classes, and altar flower arrangements.

Survivors include her 4 children, Sally Mook (Dean) of Blacksburg, VA, Ruth Walton (Howard), of Fairfax, James Thompson (Maryellen) of Arlington and William Thompson (Betty) of Richmond; a brother, Philip Magruder Jr. (Connie) of Williamsburg, 10 grandchildren: Katherine Foster, CA, Joseph Mook, NY, Julie Dvorak, TN, Arthur Mook, VA, Jennifer Walton, OR, Glenn Walton, CO, Nathan Mook, VA, Matthew Thompson, VA, Trevor Thompson, VA and Nora Thompson, VA; 5 great-grandchildren: Jesse, Lauren, Jake, Dean and Oliver; and a great-great grandchild, Henry. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews and their children. She was predeceased in 2005 by her longtime companion and travel partner, William Harmon, of PA. Her companion of recent years, Col (USA) James Lash of Arlington, died in February, 2012. The family is grateful to her personal aid, Rose Moshy, and to assistant caretakers Happiness Naimani, Sophia Katamba, and Rose Khakali, as well as Lorraine Brown at Manor Care; and to Sunrise staff, especially Rachel Mukandekezi, Jerusalem Assefa, and Angela Pelham (recently deceased), for their dedicated care and attention to Alice during the final years of her life.

Memorial service: Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving St., Arlington, VA, on August 8th at 11 am, followed by a reception at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Clarendon United Methodist Church, the American Heart Association, the Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.