Juanita Thompson dies

Former Hazlehurst business owner, Ms. Juanita Findley Thompson, 95, of Hazlehurst, died June 9 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.

Mrs. Thompson was the owner and operator of The Theatre and Thompsons Jewelry and a member of Hazlehurst First Methodist Church.

Born Feb. 20, 1928, in Burke County, she is preceded in death by her parents, Victor Owens Findley and Hazel Norma Moseley Rogers, husband, Walter Wilson Thompson Sr., brother, Bobby O. Robinson, and step-sister, Gloria Rose Findley.

She was a founding member of the Hazlehurst Garden Club, enjoyed gardening, golf, and flying, and soloed one time. She also enjoyed art, reading her Bible, and watching movies and she was an avid animal lover, and an excellent “Soda Jerk” at the Theatre. She was also Worthy Matron of Jeff Davis Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 402.

Survivors include her daughter, Lenita Thompson of Hazlehurst; sons, Walter Thompson Jr. (Lynn) of Hazlehurst and Gary Thompson (Wannell) of Dublin; grandchildren Cherie (Jay) Harris, Stephanie (Douglas) Moss, DeAnna Bradley (Chuck Simpson), Andriea Mimbs (W.C. Dover), Maria Thompson and Drei Thompson; grandchildren, Vince (Hannah) Mimbs, Jordan Mimbs, Sarah Katherine Harris, Findley Douthit, Mallory Harris, Garrett Moss, Gabrielle Moss, Grant Moss, Benjamin Bradley, Genevieve Bradley, George Bradley, and Elaina Thompson; great-great-grandchildren, Henry and Ladson Mimbs; several nieces and nephews.

Services were held June 10 at Hazlehurst First Methodist Church with the Rev. Allen Hartsfield officiating. Interment was in Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

For more information see the obituary page.