Lila Sullenburger Thompson, age 89, of Arkadelphia passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation in Arkadelphia. She was born on May 14, 1924 in Gurdon, the daughter of the late Lance and Mildred Sullenburger. Lila graduated from Gurdon High School in 1941 and then enrolled in Henderson State Teachers College. Her education was interrupted by her work as a chemist in the munitions plants at Jacksonville and Camp Robinson during World War II.

Lila returned to Henderson in 1946, finished her degree and married Gaines Thompson. She taught in the Arkadelphia schools from 1949 through 1951. Lila worked in the Clark County Circuit Clerk office for four years while Gaines served as Circuit Clerk. She returned to teaching in 1956 and taught for thirty-one years in the Gurdon Public Schools and was one of the first recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Award. For many years, Lila taught Sunday school classes and was librarian at the Beech Street Baptist Church in Gurdon. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-one years, Gaines Thompson, and her brother, Lance Sullenburger, II.

Lila is survived by three children, Bob (Johnnie) Thompson of Arkadelphia, Terri (Ron) Franks of Heber Springs and Ronnie (Mary) Thompson of Arkadelphia, one sister Patt Williams of Malvern, five grandchildren, Todd (Jeanie) Thompson, Scott (Oriana) Thompson, Raley Thompson, Kayla Thompson and Laura (Jason) Hum, seven great grandchildren, nephews, Lance Sullenburger III and Ben Williamson, and niece, Tricia Williamson.

Lila loved her grandchildren, enjoyed bird watching and was an avid reader. She also enjoyed traveling.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2014 at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Interment will be in Golden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until service time.

Memorials may be made to the Clark County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Carolyn Graham, 206 Unity Road, Arkadelphia, AR  71923.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book and view the video tribute.