Evelyn (Wallace) Thompson
Evelyn (Wallace) Thompson, 93, was called home after a life well lived. She was born in Aly, Arkansas (Yell County) on October 2nd, 1932, the daughter of Sid and Elizabeth (Sharp) Wallace. She is now dancing in heaven with Alves “Bill” Ray Thompson, her devoted husband of 66 years, and reunited with the two sons God called home at birth.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, spouse, and her siblings, Joe, RJ, Clementine, and Billy Jean Wallace, Lorene Wallace Burns, and Shirley Wallace Dempsey. Her father-in-law Ross Thompson.
She is survived by her children, Vickie Thompson Lynn (Henry) of Okolona and Rickie Thompson (Kathy) of Prescott.
She is survived by her grandchildren Leah Lynn Hughes (David), Cassie Lynn Gonzales (Justin), Cody Thompson & Kayla Thompson, Andy Thompson (Jessi).
She is survived by a host of great-grandchildren, Gabby Gonzales Heck (Phil), Kadin Rhodes (Makenzie), Bennett Gonzales, Easton, Brylee, Gage (Jordan), & Dane Hughes, Raiden & Aliza Thompson, Harper Thompson, & Emma Mills.
Great-great grandchildren Hudson, Cambree, and Nolan Hughes.
Also, a bonus grandson, Mitchell Jones.
She is survived by one sibling Kenny Wallace (Pam).
She is survived by special friends that were more like family: Betty, Terry, & Jeff Wingfield and Dotty Green.
Best known as a spitfire, Evelyn was small in stature but mighty in presence. She had a big personality, a contagious laugh, and a deep commitment to showing up for the people she loved. Whether it was a sporting event, school activity, or church gathering, she was always in the stands, in the pew, or in the audience, cheering faithfully and supporting her people.
Evelyn proudly supported Bill through 21 years of active-duty military service, faithfully serving alongside him as they made homes across the country, including time spent in Alaska, New Mexico, California, and Arkansas. No matter where they were stationed, she made sure her family felt rooted, loved, and steady. After serving the United States of America, Bill and Evelyn established their family farm on the rolling hills of Okolona where they started a small cattle farm with many adventures with their farm neighbors Lonnie and Betty Wingfield, where Evelyn “doctored” her cows in unconventional style. Bill and Evelyn were awarded the Clark County Farm Family of the Year. While stationed in Roswell, New Mexico, Evelyn graduated from Roswell Beauty College, she used her talents to open Evelyn’s Beauty Shop where she used her skills on the lovely ladies of Okolona, making life long friends. Her daughter Vickie transported her clients to and from the beauty shop in Evelyn’s VW beetle.
A self-certified OSHA inspector and chief executive officer of every project, Evelyn ran life with a sharp wit and a loving heart. She was a rhymer, a dimer, and a thrift-store finder who never passed up a trip to the slot machines. Known as Gran, Nanny, and Gigi, she wore many grandma names. That was Evelyn — quick-witted, unfiltered, and unforgettable. Her love lived in the simple things: her “top-secret” after-school drink of half Diet Mountain Dew and half “full-leaded” Mountain Dew, a bowl of her famous “Raymond” noodles, Tom and Jerry on the TV, and TV trays lined up just right. She made her home a place her grandchildren always looked forward to, where they felt loved, cared for, and cozy.
Evelyn faced many trials and tribulations throughout her life, including her battle with Alzheimer’s, yet it never dulled her spirit. She met every season with her trademark spitfire strength, faith, and resilience. She lived out 2 Corinthians 4:7, carrying great strength in her earthly body, and as 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 reminds us, though her body grew weary, her spirit was renewed day by day. She overcame much, fixed her eyes on what is eternal, and finished her race well.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. We rest assured she is now fully renewed in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with her faithful husband, Bill.
The family would like to acknowledge the love and care that was bestowed upon Evelyn over the last 6 years, by her personal caregivers whom she learned to adore at her daughter’s home, Vanessa Crudup (renamed Melissa by Evelyn), Rhonda Collin, and Tammy Windham. Their commitment as well as her daughter and son-in-law’s care ensured that we could all spend more time with her.
The family would also like to thank Baptist Hospice nurses that have provided professional yet, compassionate healthcare over the past 6 years, Brandy Russell, Dawana Smith, Shirley Purifoy, Christina Bakle, Shana Howell, and Chaplain Marilyn Reed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to: Okolona Baptist Church, c/o Kent Malcom, 420 Smyrna Road, Okolona, AR 71962
Pastors: Bro. Dennis Jones, Okolona Baptist Church, Okolona and Bro. Roy Johnson, Central Baptist Church, Prescott
Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Home-Ruggles Wilcox Chapel, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. www.smithfamilycares.com