Edith Thompson

Whether hiking with a grandchild on the Appalachian Trail, caring for her patients in ICU, or ministering to women in a Romanian village, Scottie Thompson deeply influenced her family, the community, and the world. It is a rare blessing to live closely with someone who has allowed God to impact her life even in the most difficult circumstances. Surrounded by loving family and caregivers, Edith Faye Scott Thompson, “Scottie,” beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, left this life to be with her Lord on March 12, 2013, at Woodland Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care in Smyrna, Georgia. Mrs. Thompson had battled Alzheimer’s for ten years prior to her death.

Scottie was born November 16th, 1933, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the elder of two daughters born to Robert Lee and Viola Ann Kirby Scott.

On October 7th, 1950, she married Isaac Eugene Thompson in Catoosa County, Georgia. As they raised their family, the couple lived in many locations across the United States in connection with Eugene’s career as an industrial engineer with Martin Marietta Missile Corporation. Scottie transformed each locale into a fun educational experience for her children. She organized visits to geographical and historical points of interest. Mrs. Thompson also instilled her love of adventure, the outdoors, and history into her children and grandchildren by providing many camping, backpacking, and overseas trips for them. In 1971 she planned the family’s seventy-mile hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney, California.

Scottie was a devoted and industrious wife, mother, and homemaker for twenty years before pursuing her lifelong dream of obtaining a nursing degree. In 1972 she graduated from Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California, with an associate degree in nursing. She completed her student nursing clinical hours in San Diego at Scripps Hospital, Sharp Memorial Hospital, and the Naval Medical Center (also known as Balboa Naval Hospital).

A thirty-year resident of the Athens area, Scottie was an RN at Athens Regional Medical Center from 1975 until her retirement in 1999. In 1977 she became head nurse in the General Surgical Unit. She later worked as charge nurse and preceptor in Surgical ICU, Neurosurgical ICU, Medical ICU, and CCU. She served as a mentor to many new nurses and was noted for her extraordinary compassion and level of patient care. In 1983, she was selected Nurse of the Year by the physicians of the Athens chapter of the Crawford Long Medical Society. In 1996, Mrs. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Brenau University, Gainesville, Georgia.

Scottie’s influence extended beyond her family and community to include the world. She invested both time and resources in church and mission work. Scottie organized Bible studies, helped establish churches and mission organizations, and sponsored many young people entering the ministry. She supported missionaries and ministries both here in the U.S. and abroad with funds, prayer, and personal visits.

A member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church since 1974, Mrs. Thompson served as camp nurse during several children’s summer camps. She delivered for Meals on Wheels and worked with the Athens Pregnancy Center. In later years, she was active in the church’s senior adult ministry. In 2001 and 2002, she traveled to Romania with the church’s mission groups as a medical team volunteer. There, she assisted in church and village clinics, and participated in evangelism and ministry to Romanian women.

Scottie creatively seized opportunities and overcame obstacles to exercise her strong Biblical faith. Her faith in Christ daily permeated her life and inspired her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to also walk in faith. She epitomized the woman described in Proverbs 31. Mrs. Thompson’s companionship, wisdom, and prayers will be missed, yet this great lady’s legacy of faith will continue to touch future generations.

She was predeceased by her son Darrell, husband Eugene, grandson David Dysart, and sister Peggy Dralle. She is survived by five children: Valerie Cearley (Ray), Dr. Marcy Dysart (Stan), David Thompson (Allison), Dr. Brad Thompson (Susan), and Dr. Beth Ray (Joe). Her legacy also includes nineteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom love her dearly. She also leaves behind two nieces and several cousins.

The funeral will be held at Bernstein’s Funeral Home on Saturday at 4:00, preceded by visitation at 3:00. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Memorial gifts may be made to WorldReach Ministries for Romania, Prince Avenue Baptist Church, 2131 Ruth Jackson Road Bogart, GA 30622.