Ladye Caroline Thompson

Ladye Caroline Thompson went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 7th, 2017, in Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age of 91. A celebration service to honor her life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 11th, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches with Dr. Allen Reed and Pastor Noel Dear officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00am before the service. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches.

Caroline was born on October 23rd, 1925, in Kennett, Missouri, to Louis and Billie Lady Kiersky. The family later moved to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, where they owned and operated a general store. Caroline graduated from Walnut Ridge High School. She received her undergraduate degree from East Texas Baptist University in1956. She received her master's degree in 1965 from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Music was always an important part of Caroline's life. At an early age, Caroline learned to play the piano. Her mother bought her a grand piano when Caroline was only 13. Caroline treasured this piano, and it made every move with her from Arkansas to Texas. Caroline became the organist for the First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. In the fall of 1949, George Thompson joined the faculty of Williams Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He became the Music Director at First Baptist and this is where he and Caroline met. It must have been "love at first sight" because they were married 6 weeks later on December 2nd, 1949. The next year, they moved to Marshall, Texas, where George served as the Dean of Academics at East Texas Baptist College for 15 years. Caroline received her undergraduate degree from East Texas Baptist University in1956.

Church was such an important part of their life together. After moving to Nacogdoches in 1965, George and Caroline joined First Baptist Church where they were faithful members for over 50 years. Caroline taught in the 2nd Grade Sunday School class for many years. She took great joy in calling her second grade members every Saturday night to invite them to join her in Sunday school the next day. She later joined the S.O.S. Sunday school class, which stands for Savior First, Others Second, and Self last. She loved the precious members of this class and longed to be back with them in Sunday school one day. Caroline filled in as organist and played for many special occasions at First Baptist. She was also one of the original Prayer Warriors in the FBC Prayer Ministry.

Caroline received her Master's Degree from Stephen F. Austin after moving to Nacogdoches. She was a first grade teacher at Nettie Marshall for 23 years. She loved her first graders and they loved her! She was also a lifetime member of the SFA Alumni Association and the SFA University Women's Club.

Ladye Caroline was a true "lady" in every way! Her sweet spirit was evident to everyone she met. She was an excellent cook and loved preparing meals for family and friends to enjoy. For a while, she baked homemade bread. Family and friends anticipated "bread making days" in hopes they would receive a loaf. She had many other talents including sewing, needlepoint, embroidery, teaching, and playing the piano and organ. She loved her family with all her heart and was affectionately known as "Mimi" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Caroline was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Dr. George S. Thompson, her parents Louis and Billie Lady Kiersky, and one brother David Kiersky.

Survivors include her son, Dr. Mark Allan Thompson, of Jacksonville, her daughter, Sara Vardeman and husband Pat of Nacogdoches, grandchildren, Candace Hinton and husband Paul, of Nacogdoches, James Vardeman and wife Jamie, of Nacogdoches, Alex Thompson and wife Courtney of Jacksonville, Jill Welch of Austin, Erik Welch of Pearland, great-grandsons, Cade Hinton and Luke Vardeman, both of Nacogdoches, and great-granddaughter, Lulu Welch-Seeterlin of Austin.

Serving as pallbearers are Steve Barber, Bill Goodrum, Preston Lamar, Jimmy Partin, Dwight Whitman, John Woods, Don Wyatt, and John Wyatt.

The family would like to thank Dr. Aaron Polk Sr., the nurses and staff of Stallings Court, and Hospice of Deep East Texas for their kindness and care.

The family requests memorials be given to the First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 411 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961, the George S. and Caroline Thompson Scholarship Fund at East Texas Baptist University, One Tiger Drive, Marshall, Texas 75670, or Hospice of Deep East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk_metcalf.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street Nacogdoches, TX 75965