Willodean Thompson

Willodean was born on November 2, 1928 at Born at home in Marmaduke, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Oscar and Ethal Thomlinson. Willodean grew up in Marmaduke, Arkansas.

Willodean was raised with eight siblings. She had five brothers, awaiting her in heaven, Walter, Willis, Lemual, Allen and Harvey . She had three sisters, one awaiting her in heaven Willy Jean, and two surviving Joyce and Kathlyn. Willodean was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

On July 6, 1977 Willodean exchanged wedding vows with Charles Thompson in Reno, Nevada. Empathic and loyal, Willodean was committed to making her new family happy.

Willodean worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Willodean was blessed with six children and two step-children, Jerry, Barbara, Anita and Bev.

Fortunately, Willodean enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Willodean worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was a cook. Willodean always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Willodean enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were puzzles and crossword puzzles. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Willodean was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. Politically, Willodean was a democrat.

Willodean’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the Penticostal Church. During that time, she was a Worship Leader and Song Leader.

Willodean was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Charlie. They were best friends for four years.

When Willodean’s retirement finally arrived in 1978, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Pittsburg, CA. Even in retirement, Willodean continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Willodean was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Willodean passed away on April 26, 2012 in Vallejo, CA. She is survived by her children, Jerry and Barbara Reynolds, Anita Morgan and Beverley Reynolds Brooks, and two sisters, Joyce and Kathlyn. Services were held at Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers in Red Bluff, CA. Willodean was laid to rest in Happy Valley, CA.

Simply stated, Willodean was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Willodean leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories.