On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Melba Jean Odom Thompson of Ruston, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of Jesus.  A memorial service and celebration of Melba’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Ruston on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2pm. A visitation will be held in the sanctuary from 12pm until the time of service. Melba’s celebration of life will be officiated by Dr. Chris Craig, assisted by Rev. Clayton Owens, with special music by Phillip and Alnita Carroll, under the direction and care of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.

Melba was born in Norphlet, Arkansas on December 3, 1932, to James and Lillian Odom. She was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, served on the homecoming court, and was a member of the Blue Jackets, an honorary service organization. Before graduating magna cum laude in Business Administration, she married the love of her life C.R. Dickie Thompson, who proudly told everyone “She is the smartest woman I know.” They were happily married for 70 years, showcasing their love for Jesus and each other all throughout their married life.

For 34 years, Melba was employed at Lincoln Builders in Ruston, retiring in 1995.  After retiring, Melba could be found volunteering as a Lincoln General Hospital Pink Lady, an active member of the Junior Guild, and a faithful member of her First Baptist Church Sunday School Class.

Melba loved a good cup of black coffee, Jeopardy, completing crossword puzzles, watching sports (especially women’s college basketball and college baseball), the calmness of the ocean, an Odom family reunion, watching her hummingbirds, and spending time with her family. She was the epitome of strength, body and mind; her life was evidence of a woman rooted in Christ.

We believe that Melba would want you to know that when trials and tribulations come after your heart, body, and mind – remind yourself that your victory is in Jesus, your Savior forever. And know that just as Romans 8, a passage she turned to often, tells us – “despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us”, and who loved Melba. That truth provides us with much comfort and hope.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and three sisters, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her brother, Dale Wiley Odom, and her children: Daughter, Teri Thompson Schalewski and husband Mike from Bossier City; Sons, Scott Thompson and wife Rita of Ruston; Russ Thompson and wife Ann of Ruston; Clay Thompson and wife Laura, of Argyle, Texas. Their seven grandchildren, Greg Thompson and wife Jennifer; Cole Thompson and wife Kalen; Mary-Arthur Plette and husband Michael; Andie Thompson, Hunter Thompson and wife Maura, Henry Thompson, Luke Thompson, and four great-grandchildren, Grant Thompson, James Thompson, Lucy Plette, Sam Plette, and another great-grandchild, Kolter Ramsey Thompson, on the way.

The Thompson family would like to extend a special thank you to our dear friend Toni Lathon, who cared for Dickie and Melba for over five years and became family. We also would like to thank the staff and nurses at The Arbor and Terrace and Premier Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church Sanctuary Building fund.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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