Ophelia (Phil) Nichols Thompson, 81, of Hickory Flat, MS passed away May 3 at NMMC in Tupelo, MS. She was born to Fae and JB Nichols on April 29, 1939 in Winborn, MS. Graduated from Potts Camp High School and received her BS in education from Delta State University. She later earned her Master’s from the University of Mississippi. She taught first grade for 30+ years at Hickory Flat Attendance Center where she touched innumerable lives and made a difference to many. Guided by her quick wit and mastery of sarcasm, she wasn’t one to pull her punches, but she also didn’t hold back her love, concern, and care when one of her kids (biological or not) needed calmness in chaos or just a hug to know that they mattered.
Phil was a life-time member of Winborn United Methodist Church where she played the piano for many years. She was proud of her Native American heritage and loved to gather with her large extended family in Oklahoma. An avid reader, Phil loved crafts of all kinds, her family, her dogs, and shoes.
She is survived by her sons, Nick Thompson (Mary) of Hickory Flat, Dr. Mike Thompson (Terry) of Holly Springs and her daughter, Rev. Cheryl Farr of Meridian, MS. Seven grandsons, Steven Thompson Indiana, Jesse Thompson of New Albany, Chris Thompson (Amanda) of New Albany, Josh Thompson of Holly Springs, Mickey Farr of Hickory Flat, and Travis Farr of Hickory Flat, and one granddaughter Rebecca Siria (Nick) of Little Rock, AR. She is also survived by four great grandsons.
She is predeceased by her parents, one sister Johnnie Day (1972), her husband Le’J (1981), and her son-in-law Rev. Clay Farr (2015), and great grandson Dawson Thompson.
Servies will be held graveside, May 6, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Pine grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers are her grandsons and grandson-in-law. The family would like to express thanks to her home health team who helped enable Phil to remain in her home throughout her illness
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