Hilda Louise Thigpen

On January 22, 2016 a “super angel” joined the heavens. Hilda M. Thigpen was a loving mother, wonderful sister and daughter, and the matriarch of the Thigpen clan for many years. She celebrated her 100th Birthday in October surrounded by 33 adult members of the Thigpen Family and 19 children who loved her dearly. We were all blessed to know her and love her for those many years.

Hilda was born in Childersburg, Alabama, the daughter of the late Pauline Cosper McMillan and Joseph Taylor McMillan. After graduating from Sylacauga High School in 1934, she moved to Columbus and began attending a special training program specifically for Kindergarten Teachers. While training in Columbus, Hilda met the love of her life, John Henry Thigpen, marrying him in March of 1940. During her teaching career in Muscogee County, she taught at Wynnton Elementary, Gentian, and St. Elmo Schools, retiring in 1975.

Throughout her years in Columbus, she was an active member at First Baptist Church where she enjoyed working with the young children in Sunday School for many years. As a senior citizen, she joined the Lamplighters Class and developed very meaningful relationships with all of the members. Hilda was one of the charter members of the Young in Heart of First Baptist and she and her husband traveled all over the United States for years with this wonderful group.

During Hilda’s early retirement years, she enjoyed line-dancing three to four days a week, walked daily around Lake Bottom, delivered Meals on Wheels weekly, relaxed playing the piano, and enjoyed her grandchildren. In her later years, she adored every minute spent with her great grandchildren and treasured her many photo albums of them!

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, John H. Thigpen II, and her sister, Mary Jo McMillan. Surviving family members include her daughter, Kathy Crosby (Clyde), son, John H. Thigpen III (Judy); grandchildren, Tiffany Canzoneri (Josh), Joshua Thigpen (Maria), Andrew Thigpen (Stephanie), Allie Thigpen Myers (Rich); six beautiful great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews. The quality of her life in the last four years was enhanced by the gentle care she received from faithful caregivers and her extraordinary team of doctors that have guided her for the past ten years.

A graveside service will be held Monday, January 25, 1:00 pm, at Riverdale Cemetery. The service will be conducted by Dr. Jimmy Elder, pastor of First Baptist Church. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Kathy and Clyde Crosby. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to The Young in Heart of First Baptist Church of Columbus or Columbus Hospice, www.columbushospice.org. Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com. We celebrate her life and the legacy she has left.