Ocie Marie Martin Thompson

June 25, 1939 - March 24, 2026

Ocie Marie Martin Thompson, 86, of Pilot, born June 25, 1939, passed peacefully into the arms of her loving savior on Sunday, March 22,2026 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 brothers and sisters, Daughter, Becky Gillespie; Son-in-law, Wayne Gillespie; and Loving husband of 59 years Harry Thompson.

Ocie is survived by her two sons Ricky Thompson, Gary Thompson (Sonya); three daughters, Debbie Collins (Rodney), Sue Conner ( Glenn), Patsy Harris (Gary); 11 grandchildren, Drew Weir (Stacey), Monica Holfield (T.J.), Brandy Hall (Lenny), Deanna Swortzel ( Brian), Sabrina Cox (Levi), Chris Collins (Cori), Justin Thompson, Bradley Conner (Melissa), Jeremy Wade (Autumn), Timothy Harris (Briana), Andrew Harris ( Brittany); 36 great grandchildren, Tyler, Allyson Weir, Alyssa Inge (Sam), Wyatt Dickerson, Brayden (Allie Chartier), Baylee ( Lane Reynolds), Parker Holfield, Jaxon, Skylar, Juliana, Canon Collins, Shaylee, Malachi, Judah Hall, Kaiden, Rylan, Gavin, Kavlan Swortzel, Alice, Amelia, Alexis, Danny Wade, Emily Reynolds (Nathan), Hayden Cox ( Megan Grims), Emmet, Brody Conner, Adalyn, Brendon, Carsten Harris, Harper, Hallie Harris. 2 great great-grandchildren, Sadie Mae Reynolds, Cambell Inge; 2 brothers, Vernon Martin (Sandra) , Earnest Martin (Connie); 2 sisters, Lena McAlexander, Earnestine Nichols; special bonus son and neighbors, Randall and Lynette Austin; special daughter-in-law, Gail Thompson, precious caregivers, Cathy Beaver, Lona Sowers and Jenny Akers.

A special thank you to Taylor and Denise with Good Samaritan Hospice for the wonderful care that you gave to our Mother.

 Ocie loved spending time with her family. She loved her flowers, gardening, mowing her yard, cooking, and watching her children and grandchildren, play, laugh, and enjoy “Memaws”. Ocie was a hard worker, she worked at Imperial Reading and Maid Bess for many years, however her true joy was at the Check Elementary cafeteria. She loved all the children and was blessed to have been there with some of her grandchildren. Ocie left Check to care for her husband, which she did with love and patience. Her home was open all the time to her family and friends. Ocie always made sure that you had plenty to eat. Her strong faith and love for God spilled over to her family. Many wonderful memories were made to be cherished at “Memaws house”. We are forever grateful to God for blessing us with such a wonderful Mother and Memaw!

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 28^th, at 11am, at Faith Baptist Church 5956 Floyd Hwy N, Check VA 24072, with Pastor Josh Blankenship, Pastor Timothy Harris, and Pastor Rodney Collins officiating. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Friday March 27^th, from 6-8pm at Gardner Funeral Home. 

I am so sorry for your loss She was a very special lady and my daughters loved her they went to Check Elementary

Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to family and friends. I loved Ms. Ocie and that beautiful smile she always had. She also taught me a lot about sewing.

Mom was a special lady, we stayed in contact this whole time she still thought of me as her daughter. I was blessed to have her in my life. She loved the lord and her family. She will be truly missed.

So very sorry to hear this Our deepest condolences to the family

Sending thoughts and prayers to Gary, Debbie, and Sue and family.

Deepest condolences for the family. She was a beautiful inside and out! We will keep your family in our prayers.

To you all, I'm so sorry for your loss and understand what you are feeling today as I just crossed that path myself. May God grant you the peace of mind in knowing that your Mom is now rejoicing in heaven with those who went before her. Debbie, Rodney and Rick it was so nice to see you all last week and sorry I can't be there to share this moment with you. Blessings to you all!

One of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever known. She babysat me and my brother Tim when we were kids and I loved staying with her. Prayers for the family

thoughts and prayers for your loss

Bless you all during these difficult times. God be with you.