Lois Pauline Thompson was born on Monday, June 27, 1921 the daughter of the late Harvey Soloman and Corinth Elizabeth Edmonds. Thompson died Friday, Nov.r 4, 2005 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 84.

She was born in Bald Knob and she graduated from Kensett High School.

A retired teacher, she received her degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Thompson was a dedicated educator who taught in the classroom for 35 years, 32 of which were in the Trumann School District.

Among her classroom accomplishments is her innovation of the use of newspapers in the classroom, a continuing program in the Trumann schools. She persuaded the Arkansas Gazette to provide 30 daily newspapers for the English classes. Best remembered as the senior English teacher, senior sponsor and chairperson of the English department, Thompson was loved and respected by all.

Days before her retirement in 1977, she was surprised at 7 a.m. by a group of her seniors who came to visit bearing champagne and fresh strawberries (the students were inspired by a classroom discussion concerning a piece of literature which depicted elegant living).

An educator's educator, Thompson remained very interested in events and in the lives of all of her former students. In addition to teaching, she was active in the community. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Trumann, and the Century Arts and Civic Federated Women's Club of Trumann.

Thompson was also the first woman to serve on the Poinsett County Democratic Central Committee. In 1974 she vigorously campaigned for a young candidate for Attorney General of Arkansas, Bill Clinton. In 1976 she was chairperson of the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration that filled the stands of the Trumann High School football stadium. After her retirement from teaching, Thompson pursued golf and bridge playing as avidly as she had worked in the community and in education.

Survivors include her son, Ronnie E. Thompson of Trumann; her stepson, Samuel Alvis Thompson of Lakeland, Fla.; three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow "Woody" Thompson in 1985 and her parents.

Funeral services were Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Trumann with Rev. Jim Thresher officiating. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro with Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Ben Hyneman, Hal Hyneman, Al Young, Willie Ed Bullock, Mike Dungan and Rick Vinson.

Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Trumann and the Trumann Public Library.