It is with great sorrow and aching hearts that our family announces the passing of wife and mother Mary Ursula Jones Thompson on September 7, 2021, at the age of 95. It was unexpected and appeared to be quiet and peaceful as she was found unresponsive in the morning by caregivers.
She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Major Richard P. Thompson MD, Army WWII, in 2009. And she is survived by her three children, Richard P Thompson Jr., and Robert McGill Thompson both of Jacksonville Beach Florida. And Bridget Stamos MD of Rolling Hills Estates California, and her two grandchildren, Jessee Ann Thompson of Jacksonville Beach and Ilias Michael Stamos of Rolling Hills Estates, California, daughter-in-law Olivia Thompson of Jacksonville Beach and son-in-law, Michael Stamos MD of Rolling Hills Estates. And many grand dogs.
She was born in Austin Texas in 1926 and was the only daughter born to Adam G. Heilman MD, a Colonel in the Army and Zora M. Ballard, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Nurses Corps. Mary grew up mostly in Austin and other Texas cities including San Antonio and El Paso and attended several outstanding boarding schools, graduating from the Ursuline Academy in San Antonio. She attended college in Ohio and majored in home economics and after graduation attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to receive a Master of Public Health there. After graduate school, she attended Johns Hopkins University to fulfill a dietetics internship. Afterwards she moved to Jacksonville Florida to become Jacksonville‘s first nutritionist working at the public health department. Her main area of focus was in the WIC (women Infant Children) Program. She loved her work there and her colleagues. She met her husband Richard on a blind date while living in Jacksonville. He told his children that she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen!
The family enjoyed many fishing trips and trips to the beach and many visits to one of her favorite towns Saint Augustine, Florida where Richard’s extended family lived. She welcomed into her home every stray animal the children brought in. Her family and faith were extremely important to her. She attended religious services regularly and volunteered for the church and its school frequently. She always had a positive outlook and was very resilient, a pillar of strength. Just unstoppable.
She will always live in our hearts and memories. May she always be in peace and God welcome her with open arms. We are remembering her as such a lovely person that exuded kindness and sincere interest and concern for others. She was all about faith, family, and friends. She had an amazing sense of humor with impeccable timing. Always one to keep a party in laughter. Having 3 children and entertaining, she became an incredible chef and was famous for her delicious meatloaf (which Bridget continues to make) and her holiday pecan pies. She was a voracious reader and loved English murder mysteries. She also loved cookies, especially chocolate ones, and was always satisfied to end her day with one. She often sang as she worked in the kitchen, mostly the Andrews Sisters’ songs. She had a beautiful singing voice which accompanied her when she played the piano. She brought so much sunshine and happiness into our lives. She will be very missed.
A public memorial service and celebration of life is being planned for the future when it’s safter to celebrate with a crowd, like Mary always enjoyed. The date and time will be announced and shared with family and friends.
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