Geleta Elizabeth Dudley Thompson, known to all as Elizabeth, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023, in Marianna, Florida. Born on May 28, 1939, in Grand Ridge, Florida, Elizabeth was a loving, kind, and friendly soul who touched the lives of many.
Elizabeth was the cherished daughter of the late Governor and Thelma Dudley. She was the beloved wife of the late Macky Thompson and a loving sister to the late Bonita Cook. She was also a dear aunt to the late Edwin Rabon and Mike Cook. Elizabeth is survived by her sisters, Junell Stillinger and Brenda Rabon (Eddie), her stepdaughters, Kimberlie Riggs (John) and Karen Shealy (Carl), her granddaughters, Courtney Clepper and Caitlin Peavy, her nephews, Chris Rabon (Melinda) and Timmy Rabon, and her niece, Stephanie Stillinger.
Elizabeth graduated from Grand Ridge High School in 1957. She began her career at the Florida State Hospital at the age of 18 in the security department, where she dedicated 42 years of her life before retiring at the age of 60. Her commitment to her work was a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication.
Elizabeth had a zest for life and a love for the beach. She enjoyed collecting lighthouses and quilting, and she cherished the memories of traveling and sightseeing with her late husband, Macky. After suffering a stroke in 2007, Elizabeth discovered a new passion for coloring. Her art brought her joy and was proudly displayed in her room for all to see.
Elizabeth was a woman of strength and resilience, embodying the words of Helen Keller: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” Her spirit and love for life remained undiminished, even in the face of adversity.
Elizabeth’s life was a testament to her loving nature, kindness, and friendly demeanor. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Her legacy of love, resilience, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Elizabeth’s life was a beautiful journey that will be remembered with love and admiration.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all of Elizabeth’s nurses and CNA’s at Marianna Health and Rehab that have loved her for the past 13 years; as well as Dr. Juno Douglas who has been there faithfully for Elizabeth and our family. The family is also grateful to Emerald Coast Hospice for the loving care provided to Ms. Elizabeth during her last days.
A Celebration of Elizabeth’s Life will be held in the chapel of McAlpin Funeral Home on Saturday, September 23, 2023, beginning at 2:00 PM CST with Dr. Juno Douglas officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Chattahoochee, Florida. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service starting at 1:00 PM CST.
Condolences may be made online at www.mcalpinfuneralhome.com
