Margaret Sweeney Thompson

A longtime resident of Central City, she died Thursday, June 26, 2008, at her home. She was 76. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, June 27, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by Kevin Hand, pastor. Interment in Zoar Baptist Cemetery. Survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Charlie LaCost and Renea and Doug Hawkins, all of Watson; two sons, Eric Thompson, of Austin, Texas, and Ronnie "R.E." Thompson and wife Debbie, of Greenwell Springs; four grandchildren, Chad LaCost and wife Nicole, Chase Thompson, Jason Thompson and wife Lauren, and Bryan Thompson and wife Vickie; two great-grandchildren, Kieth and Isabella; and sister, Barbara "Bobbie" Lee. Preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Randall Thompson; parents, Morgan and Mattie Higginbotham Sweeney; two sisters, Louise "Sister" Caruso and Thelma "Sweet" Landry; and five brothers, Vernon "Joe," John "Pat," Robert "Bo," Herman "Bue" Sweeney and Murphy "Red" Sweeney. Pallbearers will be Chad LaCost, Charlie LaCost, Doug Hawkins, Robert "Robbie" Marsh, Robert Bergeron and Chris Lilley. Born and raised in Lottie, she learned early the value of hard work. Life in the Depression days was difficult and she often picked cotton as a child to help earn money for her family. She moved to Baton Rouge when she was 18 and worked as a waitress in a small downtown café where she met and later married her husband of 46 years after a three-month courtship. They raised four children together and she was a dedicated mother and strong disciplinarian who was very active in her young children's school functions. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years while they were growing up. She was very proud of all of her children and the accomplishments they had attained. After her children were grown, she started working as a volunteer for the City of Baker, caring for the roses and flowerbeds and later worked fulltime until her retirement in 2006. It was there that she became known as the "Rose Lady" and would often give advice to many people who stopped to talk to her. She was once named Employee of the Month because of her dedication and love for the plants that she took care of. A co-worker once said she was known for reviving plants that were brought to near death by their owners and nursing the sick plants back to health and returning a healthy plant to its owner. She also served as an election commissioner for the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court's Office for more than 30 years. She was a little lady, very vocal and outspoken with a quick temper, who didn't mind saying what was on her mind. She valued the simple things in life, never spending money on herself, but giving to others if they needed it. She was a great cook who enjoyed helping the elderly and would often prepare meals for those she knew. She also shared a great love for animals and was a supporter for the Humane Society. She was a member of Zoar Baptist Church. She will be missed by all who shared in her life and by her five grandpuppies, Scooter, Lacy, Rosie, Dozer and Maddie. The family would like to express a special thank you to her caregivers, Virginia Waterman and Joyce LaMar, and to Hospice of Baton Rouge.