Mrs. Mary Alice Pollard Thompson, age 81, of Barnesville, died Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Zebulon Park Health and Rehab in Macon, Georgia.

Mary Alice grew up in Brooks, Georgia, a small town in Fayette county. The  community was rich with relatives as her ancestors settled there in the early 1800s. She was the youngest of four children and only girl. Many relatives expressed that she was her Daddy's pride and joy even though she never knew him as he passed before she was 6 month old.  Her life was filled with family, church, and maintaining the family farm. She quickly learned to help with cooking and household chores and she used and honed those skills for the rest of her days so faithfully caring for her own husband and children. In addition to all of her household duties of laundry and cleaning, she helped with livestock and tended a garden to preserve food for her family. No matter what her day was like, she had three full meals on the table every day.

Being the only girl, Mary Alice had to be tough if she wanted to play ball with her older brothers and cousins. She excelled athletically and was voted Most Athletic  in her Senior class at Fayette County High School. She could hold her own even later in life with her children. Much time and energy was put into athletics in the Thompson home. Playing sports was encouraged and supported. Mary Alice was present at all of her children's events- even if she had to shell peas while watching. She tirelessly washed uniforms for tournaments and made arrangements as they traveled all over the state to cheer them on at every event.

Mary Alice married Charles Thompson on March 20, 1964. She moved to Barnesville where they made their home and had their four children. Everything they did was to better the lives of their children. They endured and sacrificed to give them a wonderful childhood. They were married for 60 years and Mary Alice joined him in heaven on their 61st wedding anniversary.

Church was a mainstay for Mary Alice. Growing up she  attended Whitewater Baptist church with her family. As a wife and mother, she made sure that church was a priority for her own family. She got everyone to church and had lunch prepared beforehand. She served as a Sunday school teacher, and was always available to assist at church whether it be painting, yardwork, or planning Vacation Bible School. Her influence has had a big impact on her family and others.

Mary Alice's prize possession was her family. She loved them with a quiet strength and immense passion. They were her life. She excelled as a wife and mother, and thrived as a "Gran". She loved time together. In her later years, Sunday lunch was her masterpiece. She had all her kids and grandkids at the table. She always had something that each person enjoyed. Her kitchen table was a place of gathering for many family and friends.  Her beautiful example and unwavering love will be cherished for generations.

Survivors include daughters, Vicky Lynn Wylie, Mary Elizabeth Lister(Steve), sons, Charles Edward Thompson, Jr (Dawn), Chad Michael Thompson (Chanda), grandchildren, Brett Wylie Duriez (Dalton), Brooke Wylie, Chet Thompson, Lem Thompson, Huck Thompson, Walker Lister, Arran Lister, Lindsey Lister, Bayne Thompson, Charlie Kate Thompson, Lexie Thompson and great grandchild, Blake Duriez.

Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath.
Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step.
Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall.
Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all.

Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow.
Her hands were often there to comfort the hurts that didn't always show.
Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encouraged me to reach.
Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length.

Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harm's way.
Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say.
Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree.
Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be.

Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work,
Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt.
Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be.
Her hands are the reason I am me.*
( *Maggie Pittman. "Her Hands." Family Friend Poems, July 18, 2006)

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Coggins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Middle GA Cattleman's Association at www.mgcaonline.com.