Glenda Thompson

Glenda Abney Thompson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed on September 4, 2021 in Forney TX surrounded by family. She was 71.

Born September 16, 1949 in Velasco, TX, now known as Freeport, to Forace Dwain and Doris Faye Gartman Burnett. Glenda graduated Freeport’s Brazosport High School in 1966, later moved to Murchison, and then to Athens TX.

Glenda’s ultimate passion was loving and caring for children. Kids were in and out of her home and everywhere in between! In the 1980s, she and her sisters pioneered the First Presbyterian Church Mother’s Day Out program in Athens in a small building called the “Little House”.  The program has grown and blessed many families.  Mother’s Day Out continues to flourish to this day. During her years of retirement, family, and especially grandchildren, fulfilled her passion to the end.

Glenda was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Thompson; parents, Forace Dwain and Faye Gartman Burnett; and her loving sister Lavonia Nowell.

Survivors include her son, Rusty Abney and wife Brandy of Martin’s Mill; daughter, Wendy Abney Forester of Tyler; daughter, Page Abney Tutle and husband Tim of Rockwall; brother-in-law, Bill Nowell of Winnsboro; sisters, Brenda Tarter and husband Johnny of Athens, and Alice Burnett of Mabank; grandchildren, Skylar Abney and finance Josh Facklam of Elkhart, Tori Tutle and Tara Tutle of Rockwall, BreeAnna Abney of Murchison, Britton Abney of Martin’s Mill, Cody Easley and wife Felisha of Martin’s Mill; grandson, Chase Easley; great grandchildren, Braxton McSpedden, Aubree Veevers; 4 nieces and 3 nephews.

The family greatly thanks care providers: Kiara Whitemon, Elenora James, Michelle Forster and friend Linda Campbell, and Caring Heart Hospice.

A celebration of Glenda’s life will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 23 at the Living for the Brand Cowboy Church in Athens with Reverend Bill Nowell Officiating. Honorary pallbearers: Greg Norrell, William Wright, Josh Facklam, Trae Martin, Forrest Attaway, Travis Attaway, and Michael Nowell.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to First Presbyterian Church Mother’s Day Out, 405 East Corsicana Street, Athens, TX 75751.