Mildred Castella Jackson Thompson

Mildred Castella Jackson Thompson (nee Gentry), a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Beavercreek, Ohio on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 27, 1928, in Jackson County, Tennessee. Throughout her remarkable life, Mildred embodied the virtues of faith, love, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Mildred's career spanned various chapters, including working at two sewing factories in Tennessee and working with punch presses and different machines at General Motors. Yet, her proudest accomplishment has always been her family. Her dedication to raising her children—Joyce Hoffman, Gary (Pam) Jackson, Don (Sherry) Jackson, and Marsha (Hubert) Saylor—was unparalleled. Her warmth and nurturing spirit created a loving environment that blossomed with shared stories, laughter, and love.

In addition to her familial duties, Mildred found joy in making clothing for her family and teaching children's classes at church. Her creativity thrived as she developed storyboards for church lessons, sharing her passion for storytelling and nurturing young minds. A gently demure and faithful Christian, Mildred was well-loved within her community, always happy to be with others and dedicated to her faith.

Her memory shines brightly through the lives of her many descendants: grandchildren Crystal Hoffman Flynn, Austin (Kiersten) Jackson, Naydena (Richard) Smith, Tammy Ranay, Dewayne (Margaret) Barnett, Elijah (Kimberly) Barnett, and John (Mary) Barnett; great-grandchildren including Tabitha Hoffman, Bryan Hoffman, Piper Hoffman, Matthew Smith, Lia Smith, Silvara Smith, Shayla (Eder) Sanchez, Adrien Wolf, Dustin (Brianna) Barnett, Jeff Barnett, Brandi Paul, Sabrina Barnett, Ashley McVay, James (Jessica) Caddell, Casey Caddell, Megan (Dalton) Tiray, Carissa (Nick) Fitchpatrick, Britnee (Bradley) Faulkner, Shanan Barnett, and Alaric Barnett; and 21 great-great-grandchildren. Her beloved brother, Franklin D. (Lucille) Gentry, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, will also carry her legacy forward.

Mildred’s playful spirit is captured in the memories shared by her loved ones, particularly the story of when she accidentally unlocked the car door while Clarence was driving, tumbling out alongside young Gary, while Clarence barely caught young Joyce by her skirt before she followed suit. These moments of laughter and adventure are precious reminders of the joyful, loving presence she was in the lives of her family.

Mildred is predeceased by her first husband and father of her children, Clarence E. Jackson, and remarried later in life to Charles E. Thompson who also preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her late parents, William and Nola Gentry, grandchildren Charles Randy Hoffman and Venus L. Barnett, grandson in law James Flynn, great granddaughter Abby Gail Barnett and 20 siblings, marking a life filled with both love and loss.

Her visitation will take place on March 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 PM, both at Cornerstone Church of Christ, located at 5051 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, OH 45440. She will be laid rest at Mt. Zion Park Cemetery following the funeral service.

In each thread she wove in her sewing, in every lesson she taught in the church, and in the hearts of her family, Mildred Castella Jackson Thompson leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever inspire and comfort those who had the privilege of knowing her. As we gather to honor her today, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, one that enriched our lives in ways words can scarcely capture.

Please consider making a donation in Mildred's memory to her church, Cornerstone Church of Christ.