Daisy Naomi Ruth Ridgeway Thompson

Daisy Naomi Ruth Ridgeway Thompson was born in Sugar Hill, Georgia on October 25, 1934 to Reverend Noah and Willa Ridgeway. The youngest daughter, she was preceded in death by her siblings Glyndon (Rose) Ridgeway and Roy (Vivian) Ridgeway, and is survived by her sister, Evelyn (the late Charles) Dooley. Naomi was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, John P. Thompson, Jr. She is survived by her children Cyril (Sharon) Thompson, Charissa (David) Smith, Cheryl (the late Ed) McGee, and Craig (Deana) Thompson, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many dear friends and extended family members who loved her deeply.

Raised in a pastor’s home, Naomi developed a deep and lifelong faith that began at the age of five when she accepted the Lord and was baptized. From early childhood she accompanied her father, Rev. N.C. Ridgeway, on pastoral visits and learned to play the piano, organ, and bass fiddle for church services. She played by note and by ear, gladly accompanying anyone who wished to sing, even the most obscure songs. Her love for God and His Word remained central throughout her life. For over ten years she volunteered as a weekly Bible teacher at South Rossville Elementary School, using flannelgraph to tell stories that engaged children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Decades later, former students would still recall her teaching.

Naomi’s love language was serving others through hospitality. Her home was always open, and she delighted in feeding family, friends, and anyone who stopped by, often sending them home with a plate of her Southern cooking. She and John faithfully taught their children the Scriptures, led family devotions, hosted weekly prayer meetings, and attended every church service. Together they raised their four children to love and serve the Lord, a purpose they embraced from the beginning of their marriage. Naomi used her teaching gifts in women’s Bible study, adult Sunday School, and children’s ministry, and she created large puppets for Vacation Bible Schools that have since traveled the world. Even in their later years, she and John continued hosting gatherings filled with food, prayer, games, and hymns.

A devoted wife and mother, Naomi raised her family in a small trailer with limited resources yet filled their childhood with joy and creativity. She gardened alongside her husband, canned and froze vegetables, made homemade bread, and became known for her cream corn, sour cream pound cake, and vegetable soup. An excellent seamstress, she made Easter dresses and found ways to stretch every dollar. After her children were grown, she worked in her daughter’s flower shop, doing bookkeeping and deliveries. Her quiet faithfulness, generous spirit, and steadfast love for God left a lasting legacy in her family and all who knew her.