of Parkin, AR
September 11, 1930 - September 27, 2023
Faye Martin Thompson, 93, passed away peacefully at Baptist Hospital on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Graveside services will be held at Crittenden Memorial Park on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11 a.m.
She was born September 11, 1930 in Lepanto, Arkansas, the daughter of Bessie Martin and William Martin. The family moved from Lepanto to Harrisburg after their house was blown away in a tornado. There, she attended a one room schoolhouse through eighth grade before moving to live with another family to attend Harrisburg High School, where she earned her diploma in 1950 after secretly eloping with the love of her life, Gene Thompson, in March of that year. At the time, married girls weren't allowed to continue their schooling, but she was determined to graduate. He was already farming and she immediately took over the business side of the farming operation. She had a knack for it. The couple started off farming a few acres of leased land with a team of mules and would eventually farm over 40,000 acres in Arkansas. At a time in American history when women weren't allowed to be the face of the farm, she was the backbone of it, all while raising two children-Deborah, born in 1953 and Kenneth ''Kenn E.'' Eugene, born in 1958. She was a dedicated and loving mother. Her children fondly remember skiing and fishing in the St. Francis River, her fiercely defending them from water moccasins. She and her family were named as both the Cross County and State Farm Family of the Year in 1978.
She was also an active and energetic grandmother and great-grandmother, a full-fledged member of her children's households until her death. Earlier this year, she continued her decades-long tradition of dressing as the Easter bunny, one of many costumes she made as an unusually accomplished and creative seamstress, to the delight of her entire family. She used this talent in service of those most in need, sewing Halloween costumes for premature babies at LeBonheur Children's Hospital.
She was a lifelong member of Parkin First United Methodist Church, where she served for decades as bookkeeper, Christmas decorator and organizer of hundreds of fellowship dinners. She always found joy in feeding her loved ones and her community, preparing countless Farm Bureau banquets, Wynne Chamber of Commerce banquets and each year cooking over seventy trays of her famous Thanksgiving dressing for local families. She also compiled and edited a community cookbook, "Mounds of Cooking", in support of the Parkin Archaeological State Park, which includes many of her own recipes. In the winter of her life, rather than disengaging from this passion, she immortalized her beloved recipes in a YouTube channel, "Southern Cooking" with Faye Thompson, with her son, Kenn E as videographer.
She is survived by many who loved and will miss her, including her son, Kenn E. Thompson and his wife, Jane Thompson from Wynne and her daughter, Deborah Ferguson and her husband, Scott Ferguson from West Memphis. She had five adored grandchildren, Catherine Ferguson and her husband, Murtaza Mogri, Scott Ferguson and his wife, Juliana Echeverri Escobar, Caroline Ferguson Irlanda and her husband, Ryan Irlanda, Kent Thompson and his wife, Katie Thompson and Mary Elizabeth Thompson; three great-grandsons, Sam Thompson, Charlie Thompson, Thomas Ferguson and one great-granddaughter, Mary Catherine Mogri. She is also survived by her sister, Veletta Martin.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in memory of Faye Thompson to LeBonheur Children's Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174-1817.
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15 Condolence(s)
Judy Twist Dugan
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Deborah, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. ðŸ™
June Marie Slabaugh Jenkins
Saturday, September 30, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear this news. A true Parkin legend. I absolutely love watching her cooking shows and I have saved many recipes. Sending many prayers to her family.
Joe and Debbie Head
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Joe and I are so sad to hear of Ms. Faye's passing. She was a lovely lady and such an encouragement to Joe and me. She had such a positive influence in me life. It was such a blessing to know both of your parents!!! Our prayers are with your entire family!
Karen Brenner Skelley
Saturday, September 30, 2023
What a special lady! Deborah, your mom was always “doing for othersâ€!!!! Bill and I have never forgotten the party she had for us before our wedding! It meant so much to us. And always serving at the church!!!! She helped my dad with food and just “being there†after Mother died. Love and prayers to you all as you honor her and a life well-lived. Psalm 34:18
Diane Patterson
Friday, September 29, 2023
The city of Parkin has lost another great icon she was loved by all that knew her.I have had the pleasure of knowing her personally and working together.We pray for all the family and friends in the days ahead
Teresa McCain
Friday, September 29, 2023
Larry and I pray for comfort for you all now and in the days to come without such a beautiful, remarkable part of your lives. May your sorrow be short and your memory long. God bless you all.
Cindy and John Morrison
Friday, September 29, 2023
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your familyðŸ™ðŸ» Cindy and John
Patsy and Harold Wallin
Friday, September 29, 2023
We have such a heavy loss with the passing of a memorable, sweet, kind, loving, and beautiful lady. Faye leaves so many fond memories for all our family, friends, and business associates for a very, very long time. Faye was loved and will be missed. Our prayers are with your families at this very sad time. We love you all. Deborah and Kenn, just know that we care, and we feel a loss knowing that your mother has shown such braveness during sad times that you will continue to spread the love for her spirit to your families. She has always been so proud of all you have achieved and that feeling will be with you forever.
Aunt Patsy and Uncle Harold
Dorothy McKinney
Friday, September 29, 2023
So sorry to hear my god give family and friends comfort in this time of need I knew her from Happy Hour at the Methodist Church
Judy Bond
Friday, September 29, 2023
Prayers for the family at this difficult time.
Roger Atkins
Friday, September 29, 2023
Kenny and Deborah your mom was the best! I always enjoyed visiting with her! She and I solved so many world problems. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Vickie Jenkins
Friday, September 29, 2023
Deborah and Kenn, I was saddened to hear that your mother has passed away.
Ms. Faye was a true gem! I loved our conversations we would have EVERY single time we would see each other. She was a beautiful, gentle, kind and loving woman. She will truly be missed. Hugs and much love to you both and your families. RIP Ms. Faye!
Roberta Barnes-Walls
Friday, September 29, 2023
Debra and Kenny and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Thompson. She was an amazing woman. Sending prayers and hugs and comfort to you all.
Lisa Riley Adams
Thursday, September 28, 2023
I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Thompson’s death. Please accept my sincere condolences.
James Bond
Thursday, September 28, 2023
I was so shocked to hear such sad news . She will be missed by all . I have such old memories of her that go back all the way to swimming at the Earle Pool.