Lillian J. "Jodie" Thompson

Mrs. Lillian Joyce Thompson (Jodie), 82 was born September 17,1943, in Richmond, IN to loving parents: William R. and Madie Lee Hopkins. Jodie graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1963. Soon after graduating she would relocate to South Bend, IN to attend Ivy Tech College School of Nursing. Soon after relocating, Jodie would meet and marry the love of her life Ray L. Thompson on October 4, 1965, igniting a spark of happy marriage that would last over 60 years.

In the pursuit of higher learning, she would attend Bethel College and Southwestern Michigan College, where she would receive her associate’s degree.  Jodie was known for her excellent baking and cooking skills. From peanut butter fudge, Christmas cookies and her world-famous German Chocolate cake. She also loved shopping and the arts and crafts. Jodie was a skilled seamstress where her designs, talents, and beauty shined through the prom dresses her hands created, for not only for family members, but young ladies in the area. Her gift of sewing not only gave fabric, but reshaped the fabric of life for many of the young ladies in her program. While working at Eggleston school, she was the co-creator of the Distinguished Ladies Mentorship program for young ladies. After over 40 years of faithful service and employment with the South Bend Community School Corporation, Jodie retired.  Her 40-year career span allowed her to work in several different schools throughout the corporation. Her last position being an Administrative Assistant at Swanson school. In her retirement she enjoyed working as an usher at The University of Notre Dame basketball games and learning new things. Jodie was blessed with a loving and caring family.

She leaves to her cherish her loving memory: Husband: Ray L. Thompson of South Bend, IN, Son: Cory R. (Rolanda) Thompson of Granger IN, Grandsons: Kendal L. and Landen I. Thompson Both of Granger, IN. Her life-long friend Margaret Miles, of South Bend, IN. She also leaves to cherish her memory, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She loved and adored her two grandsons, Kendal (KT) and Landen (Lanny). Jodie brought people together and made them happy through her presence and her amazing baking skills.

On Friday February 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family Mrs. Lillian Joyce Thompson found rest from her labor to be reunited with her love ones who proceeded her in death: Parents: William R. and Madie Lee Hopkins; Son: Troy L. Thompson, Three sisters: Katherine Collier, Gwendolyn Woods and Jacquline O’Brien; Three brothers: William Hopkins, James M. Hopkins and Robert Vanlandingham (Vandy).

In Honnor of her life and legacy a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a gathering of family and friends at 10:30 AM at Pilgram Missionary Baptist Church, Burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences may be shared.

Service 

Saturday February 14, 2026 

10:30 Family Gathering 

11:00 AM Celebration of Life 

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church 

116 Birdsell St. South Bend, IN 46628

Burial Highland 

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