Laura Noland Thompson

Laura Noland Thompson died on November 10, 2022, in Baton Rouge at the age of 95. She was born on June 20, 1927 at Spring Grove, her family home in Bains, Louisiana. She was married to Dr. O. M. Thompson, Jr. and the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on August 14th of this year. She was a lovely lady, a devoted caring wife, mother, and grandmother, and a friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Noland of Bains, Louisiana, her brother A.W. "Dubbie" Noland, Jr. of Lake Charles, and her sisters Dot Noland Thomas of Baton Rouge and Madeline Noland Wright of St. Francisville, and her son-in-law Shelby Harris of Baton Rouge. Her survivors include her husband of 75 years, Dr. O. M. Thompson, Jr.; her son, O. M. "Mim" Thompson, III; her daughter, Christine "Chris" Thompson Harris; her daughters and sons-in-law, Laura "Lolly" Thompson Martin and husband Phil, and Anne Thompson Kurz and husband George. Known as 'Lala" to her grandchildren, she is survived by Minette Thompson, Elisabeth Thompson Sweat and husband Heath, Elise Thompson, Hayes Harris and wife Jill, Christine Harris Roux and husband Stephan, Adam Kurz and wife Jenny, and Dr. Ben Kurz and wife Katie, and her great-grandchildren Shelby Roux, Anna Kurz, Avery Sweat, Ryan Kurz, Wade Kurz, and Caroline Kurz. She attended Julius Frehan School in St. Francisville and graduated from All Saints Episcopal School in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1944. She entered LSU that same year, where she was an active member of Chi Omega Sorority and Alpha Lambda Delta honor society until her graduation in 1947. In August of that year, she married her lifelong sweetheart Tommy Thompson who was then in medical school in New Orleans. They have resided in Baton Rouge since 1952, and they also maintained their deep family roots in West Feliciana, spending much time there at Spring Grove. Her community voluntarism in Baton Rouge included Chair of the Board of Trustees of Episcopal High School, President of the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Auxiliary, and active membership in St. James Episcopal Church, Chi Omega Alumnae Association, Colonial Dames, The Philastoria, and The Modern Reviewers Book Club. In West Feliciana she was a founding member of both The Southern Garden Symposium and the Feliciana Country Gardeners, and held leadership roles in The Friends of Rosedown. She and her husband were members of numerous other social and cultural clubs and organizations. Funeral will be held at St James Episcopal Church on Tuesday, November 15 with visitation in the Parish Hall at 9:30 am until the service in the church at 11:00 am. A private graveside committal will follow at Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery in St. Francisville. Honorary pallbearers include Hayes Harris, Adam Kurz, Ben Kurz, Heath Sweat, Stephan Roux, Ryan Kurz, and Wade Kurz. Special thanks are extended to Hospice of Baton Rouge and longtime caregiver Joyce James, in addition to caregivers Sharon Burchwater, Clara Burks, Shirley Burks, Terri James, and Monique Williams. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. James Episcopal Church, St. James Place Foundation, or a charity of your choice.