Mary Joanna Thompson

Mary Joanna Thompson, 88, of Valdosta, Georgia died on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Fellowship Home. Born in Glennville, Georgia on August 22, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Willie R. and Edna Purcell Thompson.
Survivors are her nephews and their spouses, Dr. Bill and Lou Bennett of Cordele, Jerry and Susan Dowdy of Wrens, Ben Dowdy of Glennville, Mike Dowdy of Savannah, Dr. Hugh and Ellen Durrence of Charleston, South Carolina; nieces and their spouses, Janet and Mark Haworth of Valdosta, Judy Burkhalter of Brookhaven, Linda and Carl Struthers of Dunedin, Florida; a sister, Mrs. Gladys Durrence of Charleston, South Carolina and a sister- in- law, Mrs. Willie Jo Dowdy of Glennville.
She was preceded in death by a sister and brother- in- law, Leahman and Earl Burkhalter and an infant brother, Alden Thompson.
Miss Thompson graduated from Wesleyan College in 1947 where she made many cherished friendships. It was during her time there that she also met her mentor Miss Fannie White, the dietician for the college. In the early 1950s they decided to fulfill a shared dream, became business partners and opened a tearoom in one of Milledgeville's historic old homes. The Sanford House soon gained a reputation as a fine dining establishment and the center of much of the town's social interaction. The author Flannery O'Connor (Miss Thompson's contemporary) and her mother Mrs. Regina O'Connor (Miss White's contemporary) often stopped in for lunch and a close friendship formed. After the deaths of the other three Miss Thompson compiled favorite recipes into The Sanford House Cookbook, as a tribute to this friendship, giving all rights to the Flannery O'Connor-Andalusia Foundation on whose board she served.

With Miss White's retirement the Sanford House closed in the late 1960s, much to the dismay of their customers and friends. Miss Thompson's retirement would come many years later from Georgia College and State University where one of her responsibilities was the management of the Old Governor's Mansion.

Miss Thompson enjoyed her many trips to historic sites and gourmet restaurants in this country and Europe. She was a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and had been actively involved as a volunteer and trustee with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation from its beginning. She would be named Volunteer of the Year by the Georgia Trust and receive the 1997 Alumnae Award for Distinguished Service to the Community from Wesleyan College. As a Christian her life was based on doing for others.

Miss Thompson was a very capable and gracious lady with great taste, a truly loyal friend, and the best aunt any niece or nephew could ever wish to have. She helped to mold the best of their habits and hearts.

The family will receive friends at Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home in Glennville, on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 2 -3 p.m., followed by a graveside service and interment at 4 p.m. at Watermelon Creek Baptist Church Cemetery near Glennville. Reverend John Smith will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of Milledgeville, Wesleyan College, Georgia's Old Capital Museum for the Sanford House, the Flannery O'Connor-Andalusia Foundation, or the Georgia Trust. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.






Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602