Marie Thompson Obituary Marie Christine Thompson (98) of Lubbock, departed this life on October 5, 2022. She enjoyed life and had expressed her hope to celebrate 100 years! She was born April 17, 1924 in Dalhart, Texas to W.S. and Gertrude Alford. Marie married Elmer Ray Thompson on February 5, 1946 and they enjoyed 59 years together (mainly in Lubbock) raising a family, building a business and loving each other. Marie took great pride in raising and loving her three children Danny, Sharon Raye and Tommy. In 1974 she and Ray purchased a humble home in Lubbock – "the house on 47th street" – Marie lived in, loved and cherished that home for just over 45 years. In this home Marie enjoyed welcoming her three children and their families, looking after her grandchildren, sewing, creating photo albums, decorating for the holidays, hosting family meals (Sunday roast dinner was a mainstay), watching TV at her kitchen table, reading magazines and sipping hot tea by her fireplace, planting flowers, displaying her flag, socializing with and helping her neighbors. Marie also had a keen interest and love for travel (Texas roadtrips), live music, art, photography (West Texas landscapes and sunsets), food (cooking, eating and providing), and she loved to attend the Lubbock South Plains Fair. Marie recalled her years working at Dunlaps Department store and Southwestern Electric Supply fondly, but the majority of her working years were spent side by side with her husband Ray creating and running a sewing machine business, Datho Manufacturing, that they co-owned and sold in 1996. After selling their business and retiring, Ray and Marie enjoyed 9 active years together before he died in 2005 at the age of 82. Following Ray's passing Marie's home continued to be the gathering place for family for many more years – it was a source of great pride for her. Though she spent her last few years in assisted living she recalled her home fondly and spoke often of her many loving years there with her family. Marie had a strong faith and an enduring love of family. She maintained relationships with friends and family by writing letters to stay in touch, sending birthday and holiday cards regularly, meeting for lunch or sharing a meal in her home. Marie was a faithful member of Bible Baptist Church in Slaton, Texas since 2005. She loved to attend church and welcomed family and friends to join her. Marie cherished her church family and during her last few years, when she was unable to attend services, she was pleased to see the church members who visited her. Marie had a very positive attitude and chose to look on the bright side each day. In her final years she enjoyed visits from family and friends, gazing at photos of years gone by, and she took great pleasure in small things – a meal shared with a caregiver, a gift of a stuffed animal, potted plant, a plastic flower, a bottle of water or a handwritten letter or card. She clapped her hands and smiled for visiting toddlers, spicy meals, bath time or a shared jigsaw puzzle. She laughed often and heartily - she smiled big and in recent years she exclaimed often "Oh Boy", "You are my Angel" and "I love you". She also cried easily – remembering loved ones lost and experiences no longer enjoyed. Marie will be dearly missed. Loved ones who survive her are her daughter Sharon Raye Ely (Joe); siblings Carl Lee Alford (Johnnie), John Alford, and Juanita Reed, her grandchildren Tommy Thompson (Susan), Lucas Thompson (Crystal), Jacob Thompson (Stacey), Marie Elena Ely, Samuel Thompson (Rachel), Elizabeth Barron (Mads), Jared Barron, Lori Scott and great-grand children Carlie, Whitney, Ian, Aden, Lucas, Reed and Aila. Marie is preceded in death by her husband Elmer Ray Thompson, her son Danny Thomson (and beloved wife Mary Jo Sanna), and her son Tommy Thompson. She is also preceded in death by her parents W.S. and Gertrude Alford, her sister Thelma Tapp (and husband Deryl), and brothers and sisters-in-law – Kenneth Thompson, James Thompson, Jack Thompson, Wayne Thompson, Vernon Huey and Helen Lowery (survived by Jetta Joe Gillilan). A celebration of life was held Monday October 10th at Bible Baptist Church, Slaton, Texas. Marie's final resting place will be in Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations are requested to the Youth Ministry at Bible Baptist Church, 525 W. Panhandle, Slaton, TX, 39564 We also appreciate and thank family and friends Ann Herzog, Betty Shipley, Elaine Huey, Joey Thompson, Sue McClaran, Jan Gattis and Carol/Randy Kaufman, Darla Bryant, Carla Purcella, Caitlyn Hagler, Pam Helms, Callandar House caregivers (Rachael, Latoya, Felomena, Stephanie, Esther, Kaitlyn, Tiffany and Debbie), Bridge Hospice House caregivers (Emily, Lora, Kory, Jan and Jana), Brookdale caregivers (Candace and Kristian) and Bible Baptist Church (Brother Chris and David).