Obituary of Ouida Q Thompson

Parents: William Alexander Quillin Annie Laura Steele Name at Birth: William Ouida Quillin, named after her father who had no sons named after him. Ouida, pronounced "weeda" is a short name coming from the name Louisa. Also it means yes in French and German, Oui and Da. There was a famous author whose pen name was "Ouida". Ouida's father died when she was only 8 years old. She and her mother struggled but with the help of family and friends they made it through the tough times that plagued the depression. In high school she became very ill with diptheria and almost died. She was ill for a long time and had to study her courses from home. She did so well that when she returned to school she had already completed the work for the next grade. In high school she also won a State Math Award. Ouida started the first public library in Russellville, Alabama. During the war, Ouida went to Mobile, Alabama and worked for the government as a draftsman (person) in the Mobile shipyards. Ouida returned to North Alabama and worked for the government checking in soldiers returning home from war and getting them set up for civilian life. After that position closed she started work for the Land Branch of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). During these years, she supported herself and her Mother. She worked hard and even purchased a home, which was unheard of in those days for a single woman to do. Ouida was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sheffield, Alabama for many years until she moved to Tacoma, Washington and joined New Hope Baptist Church almost 20 years ago. In 1951, Ouida met and married Newt Jenkins Thompson, of Hillsboro, Alabama. They had one child, William Newt Thompson. She was divorced from Newt Thompson after about a year and he left the area. Ouida was left to care for her Mother and son with little resources other than friends and family and her job with TVA. Ouida retired from TVA after 35 years of government service. She worked in various areas of the system over the years and had many friends there. Some of whom she has still been in touch with until recently. Ouida worked with the Retired TVA workers at the World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee on the TVA Barge exhibit. Ouida lived a long and healthy life and out lived many friends and relatives. She had several good friends in Tacoma that were always helpful and included her in many things. When Ouida was in school at the age of 12, they had an assignment to find a pen pal overseas and begin to write to them. She found Phyllis Goddard in England. They have been pen pals all these years and have never spoken or seen each other. Ouida just received a letter and a gift from Phyllis 2 weeks before her passing. That is an incredibly long friendship by mail. Ouida passed away after short illness. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on March 11, 2012 and due to her age and the extensive damage of her condition, no treatment was recommended. She was able to die peacefully at home with the company of her son and her dear friends and caregivers Marie and Edith holding her hands and her beagle Lucky on the foot of her bed. Ouida Thompson is survived by her son, William; grandson, Tim Reid, great grandson, Madden Reid and Courtney Reid; special friends and caregivers Marie Toups and Faith Reid; Nieces, Nephews and Cousins spread from California to Georgia; Special local friends and supportive members of the New Hope Baptist Church. For donation information, ,please visit OuidaMemorial.com : http://ouidamemorial.com .