Beatrice "Bea" Thompson

Beatrice "Bea" Lasater Thompson, 98, of Morrilton, passed away on June 23, 2017, after living a full, active, and happy life. She was born October 14, 1918, in Solgohachia, AR to Oxley and Josie Bostian Lasater. Bea was a graduate of Morrilton High School and Draughon's School of Business. In 1941 she married Leon Thompson, and they made a home in Oppelo and then Morrilton. Bea worked for several businesses, but eventually retired from American Management after more than 22 years. Bea was a strong believer in community service and was extremely active in many church and community activities. She was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, first in Oppelo and then in Morrilton. Until her death, she still worked as a volunteer at least one day a week at St. Vincent Morrilton Hospital and was a member of the hospital auxiliary for the past 35 years. Bea was known far and wide as "The Bread Lady" due to her homemade sour dough bread, and she routinely baked dozens of loaves a month, donating forty loaves to each hospital auxiliary bake sale and any bread needed for various church functions at the First United Methodist Church. Bea received many awards over the years, including her most recent award just 2 weeks ago, which was for 75 years with Extension Homemakers' Club. She was named the Morrilton Citizen of the Year in 2008, received the Harry Denman Evangelism award from the North Ark. Conf. of United Methodist Churches, and was honored as an outstanding volunteer of the year by the Petit Jean Chapter of AARP. Bea was an emeritus member of the Administrative Council of the First United Methodist Church, and a lifetime member of United Methodist Women and the Literary Coterie. Bea was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Gus Mourot, husband Leon Thompson, and ten siblings. Bea is survived by daughter Gloria Rankin (Jim) and son Louis Thompson (Debbie), all of Morrilton, three grandchildren, Tammera Rankin Harrelson of Little Rock, Jim Rankin, Jr (Joanna) of Conway, and Jennifer Thompson DeGroot (Tony) of Morrilton, three great grandsons, one great-great granddaughter, one brother, Ronny Mourot (Sue) of Morrilton, and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, family members, and friends. Bea will be missed by all. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Morrilton with Rev. Katie Pearce officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Chestnut St., Morrilton, Arkansas 72110.

Beatrice "Bea" Thompson

October 14, 1918 - June 23, 2017