Mabel Ruth Thompson was born on December 31, 1940, in Durham, North Carolina, to the late Oscar and Edith Williams. On April 24, 2025, at the age of 84, Mabel peacefully transitioned from this life. Mabel was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Oscar Williams Jr. and Chester Williams; her sister, Patricia Ann Martin; and her beloved daughter, Tonya Lauria Thompson.
She attended Hillside High School in Durham, NC and later earned her associate degree in nursing from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. Mabel dedicated her career to caring for others, working as a registered nurse and ultimately becoming a nursing supervisor at Marlboro State Hospital. She retired in 1998. Her patients and coworkers alike appreciated her gentle strength, wisdom, and compassion.
In the 1970s, Mabel was a member of Second Baptist Church, where she served on the First Aid Unit and made history as the first registered nurse to serve on this committee.
Mabel found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved bowling and was a longtime member of a local bowling league. She enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and spending time with her family and friends—always with warmth, and grace. Mabel had a special gift—she could make friends wherever she went. Her calming presence, quick wit, and easy smile drew people in and made them feel at home.
Mabel is survived by her husband, Willie Thompson; her daughters, Shonda McLeod and Sherri Thompson, both of Fayetteville, NC; her grandchildren, Rhonda N. Mayo (Randy) of Fayetteville, NC, Sharika Baril Laurel Hill, FL, Nathaniel Bolden of Long Branch NJ, Ronald “Little Buddy” McLeod Jr. Orlando Florida. Jurnee McLeod, and Jadore McLeod both of Fayetteville, NC and seven cherished great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her deeply. She is also survived by her longtime friend, Joseph Watkins and Carrie Penn (RN) longtime friend and coworker at Marlboro State Hospital.
Her favorite way of saying goodbye was always, “Ciao.” If she were here with us today, she wouldn’t say goodbye—just a gentle “Ciao for now.” Her spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
