Johnnie Dell Thompson

Johnnie Dell Busbee Thompson, age 92, passed away on May 15, 2018. Although our family will never be the same without her, we are thankful that she is finally free from the pain of dementia and is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Jeff.

Johnnie was born in Lilly, Georgia to Lucille Forehand and Jefferson Davis Busbee on March 21, 1926. It was in this small town that she learned the importance of family and the value of lasting friendships. Growing up with five sisters and two brothers taught her to be kind, loving, and hard-working. After graduating from Byromville High School, she attended Georgia Southwestern College and worked at Warner Robins Air Force Base as a supervisor in Personnel. She later transferred to Air Force Bases in Marietta, Dallas and Atlanta.

While traveling on a greyhound bus, a handsome young man named Jeff Thompson sat in the empty seat beside her and that was the beginning of a beautiful story of love and devotion. They were married on November 25, 1950 and moved to Jacksonville, FL. Jeff and Johnnie built a home beside Pickett Elementary School where they raised their five children. During their 65 years of marriage, this home would host many parties for family and friends. Johnnie was known as a warm and generous hostess and she was always happy to fix a meal for anyone who visited. She was a true southern lady who had a lasting impact on anyone who met her.

While raising her family, Johnnie was involved in any activity that concerned her children or grandchildren. Although she was very petite, she was incredibly strong, especially when protecting those she loved. She was a devoted member of Inman United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees that served the community. She served on the PTA at Pickett Elementary School and as a parent booster at Paxon High School. She also worked as a substitute teacher, assistant librarian, and at a bridal shop. Johnnie made beautiful quilts that she gave to family and friends that we will cherish for years to come. She was as comfortable working on the farm or fishing with Jeff as she was getting dressed up to go to a show. Johnnie had a great sense of humor and she lived a lifetime of laughter and love with her husband and family.

Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff Thompson, and her siblings, Elizabeth Bradley, Ellen McGuinness, Jefferson Davis, Jr., Madelyn Laidler, Ralph Busbee, and Dora Mae Lawless. Her only surviving sibling, Lucille Busbee Ellis, of Vienna, Georgia has been a source of strength for Johnnie throughout her life. Johnnie is survived by her five children Ben (Pat) Thompson, Guy (Kim) Thompson, Gail Devereaux, Bruce Thompson and Beth (Brad) Taman, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank the Memory Care staff at Allegro of Fleming Island that cared and loved Johnnie since October of 2016 and the compassionate staff of Haven Hospice of Orange Park. Memorials in Johnnie’s honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Haven Hospice. Graveside funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 21, 2018 at Edgewood Cemetery at 4519 North Edgewood Drive, Jacksonville, Florida. Arrangements by Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, 729 Edgewood, Ave. South Jacksonville, FL 32205.You may leave words of comfort and sympathy at www.Hardage-GiddensEdgewood.com. HARDAGE-GIDDENS, EDGEWOOD CHAPEL, 729 S. Edgewood Avenue, is serving the family.