Lula J. Thompson, age 81, of Bedford departed this life on Tuesday evening June 7, 2011 with her loving family by her side. "Lula Mae", as she was affectionately known, was born on February 23, 1930 to the late Alfred and Frances M. Jones. Lula Mae was a faithful and devoted member of the Western Light Baptist Church. She proudly served as a member of the Usher Board, the Church Benevolent Committee; the Pastor's Aide Club, the Church Anniversary Committee and was the Sunday School Superintendent. She was a retiree of the Elks National Home, where she worked for many years. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 55 years, Donald S. Thompson; three brothers, Luther Jones, James Jones, and Earnest Jones; and two sisters, Nancy Lowry and Sarah Stith; five brothers-in-law, James Blake, Harry Thompson, Joseph Brown, David Banks, and James Lowry. She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Donald E. (Kay) Thompson of Newport News, VA, Arnold W. Thompson of Bedford, VA; one daughter, Rita K. Thompson, of Bedford, VA; three grandchildren, Lamar, Brian, and Sierra Thompson, all of Newport News, VA; one sister, Barbara Blake, one brother, Henry Jones, both of Bedford, VA; five sisters-in-law, Ophelia T. Banks of Forest, VA, Bernice T. Brown of Reston, VA, Dorothy Jones, Vivian Jones, Ethel Thompson, all of Bedford, VA; a special cousin and friend, Mary Wright of Bedford, VA and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. During her sickness, Lula Mae remained in good spirits. She fought a courageous battle and endured it with dignity, grace, and pride. She was still strong in the Lord.