Martha L. Thompson, 79, of Vincennes, passed away at 10:55 pm Tuesday March 12, 2015 at Good Samaritan Hospital.
She was born July 22, 1935 in Freelandville to Oscar and Dana (Jenkins) Snyder.
Martha was a graduate of Freelandville High School, Vincennes University, and Indiana State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree in Education. She was chairperson of the reading department at Vincennes University and where she was recipient of the Gold Cord Award. She also served as a reading consultant for Harper and Rowe, S.A.T. National Board Consultant and the College Board.
Martha was a Distinguished Professor of reading, past president of the Indiana Reading Professors Association, a published author, a keynote speaker and presenter at the International Reading Convention, and was recognized nationally by community colleges for development in reading.
She belonged to the Community United Methodist Church, Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Theta Chi, and the Eastern Star for 55 years in Macon, Illinois. Martha enjoyed being outdoors and seeing God’s creations.
Surviving is her husband M. Sam Thompson, whom she was married to for 58 years, being wed on August 25, 1956 in the Bethel Church in Freelandville, two daughters, Sami (Mike) Westfall of Vincennes, and Dana Thompson of Terre Haute; her brother, Herman (Etta) Snyder of Vincennes; her grandchildren, Zachary (Elizabeth) Westfall, and Virginia Westfall; and her great grandchild, Colton Westfall.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, James Michael Thompson; and a sister, Sammie Illyes.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday May 15, 2015 at Community United Methodist Church with Rev. Cheryl Garbe officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 Thursday at the Community United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Garden at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.goodwinfamilyfh.com