Mary Jane Fleming Thompson passed away after a brief illness on Oct. 2, 2022. Visitation will be Oct. 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. in The Parish Hall of St. Joseph Church. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 12:15 p.m. in the Church. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, St. Florian.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Thompson, Jr., parents, Paul J. and Helen B. Fleming, and son-in-law, William S. Gullett, Jr.
She is survived by her children, Catherine T. Jeakle (David), Ann Arbor, Michigan, Karen T. Gullett, Florence, Alabama, Paul G. Thompson (Jeannette) Baton Rouge, Louisiana; sister, Catherine Fleming; brothers, Paul Fleming, Thomas Fleming, Michael Fleming (Mary Beth), and Alfred Fleming (Suzanne); grandchildren, Christopher J. Jeakle (Anne Drolet), Mark M. P. Jeakle, Nicholas G. Thompson, Andrea M. Thompson, William S. Gullett, III, and Sarah Bell Gullett, along with many dear nieces and nephews.
Mary Jane was a native of Youngstown, Ohio, graduating from Ursuline College with a B.A. in Home Economics, 1959. She married in 1962, had 3 children and returned to the work force as a pre-school teacher after her children were of school age. Her family of 5 moved to Florence, Alabama in 1980, where she taught at West Minister Pre-School. She then moved on to the health-care sector as the Activities Director of Psychiatric Services at E.C.M. Hospital. From there she utilized her talents as Activities Coordinator at Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing Home. She retired at 70, with a great family celebration, to fully enjoy her Grandmother status, but worked on an as-needed basis until just last month.
Mary Jane took up the practice of yoga attending classes at the YMCA for 24 years. She developed great strength and flexibility through her practice, and made many dear friends from her yoga mat. Mary Jane’s recent diagnosis did not slow her down, she continued working a few hours a week at Mitchell Hollingsworth, attending soccer games, dance recitals and neighborhood picnics. Mary Jane was a 42 year member of St. Joseph parish having served on many committees over the years. St. Vincent de Paul was a charity to which she gave much of her time and talent.
Everyone who knew Mary Jane knew her kindness. She was loving and full of grace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 659 S. Poplar St., Florence, AL
