W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Lola Mae Smith Thompson, 73, of Louisville transitioned on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Baptist Health.

Visitation 10-12 Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Community Missionary Baptist Church 4909 E. Indian Trail. Funeral to follow at 12 Noon. Burial March 22, 2023 1:30pm at Kentucky Veteran Cemetery- Central 2501 Dixie Blvd Radcliff, Kentucky,

Lola Mae Smith Thompson was born Sunday, November 27, 1949, in Hazelhurst (Cophia County), Mississippi, to Ola Mae Curtis Smith and Harold Smith. She was raised by her grandparents, Kate and Lover Curtis, until she was nine years old which was when she was reunited with her mother in Louisville, Kentucky. They lived together at 429 South 28th Street, and Lola attended Dan C. Byck Elementary School, Parkland Junior High School, and Central High School.

At the age of 15, Lola got her first job as a bus girl in the Rich Sandwich Shop located in the Kentucky Hotel. Next, she was employed by Executive Inn as a salad girl where she received a promotion to head pastry chef. From there, she went on to work at Liberty National Bank in their cafeteria where she was nicknamed “Joe the Bartender” because her regular customers would come in and pour out their troubles and concerns to her, and she was a great listener with a carrying demeanor. Lola spent her last twenty-seven years as a worker at General Electric Appliance Park before retiring. However, retirement did not last long. She embraced her true passion as a caregiver. Throughout her life, she was a caregiver for her family, and she just extended her care to others who needed her assistance.

Lola’s Christian journey began at an early age when she gave her life to Christ at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and was baptized. She moved her membership to King Solomon Baptist Church and was baptized a second time. Lola served as an usher, cook, Sunday school teacher, secretary, and member of the Prayer and Prison Ministry. When Lola moved her membership to New Zion Baptist Church, she continued to usher, cook, attend Sunday school and participate in other services. Lola was a faithful member there for twenty years.

After moving to the Jeffersontown area, her sister-in-law, Edith Thompson, invited her to Community Missionary Baptist Church, and that is where Lola and Herman remained. Together they taught Sunday school. She also served as an usher and was also a faithful member of the Culinary Committee. Lola enjoyed helping to prepare meals for the church’s various events some of which included Vacation Bible School, Men’s Day, Women’s Day, anniversaries, and other celebrations. She loved her church family and enjoyed helping out behind the scenes as well as personally preparing meals for the sick and shut-ins and supplying meals for the elderly.

Lola was kindhearted, strong, and always thought of others before herself. Her love for family was monumental. Although she had her own health issues, Lola did not let it stop her from having encouraging words and trusting in God. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23, and her favorite poem was “Footprints in the Sand”. She felt both encouraged her to stand strong and hold onto her faith, and she did just that!

Organization was a top priority for her. She believed everything had a place, and she saw to it that it stayed that way. Guests knew to take off their shoes at the door, and there was always

something ready for them to snack on upon arrival. Lola and Herman made everyone feel welcome. Her home was a safe and enjoyable place for all.

Except for driving, Lola had great patience. “Lead Foot Lola” was another nickname her family gave her. When it came to getting from one place to another, Lola was a careful speed demon. Sadly, on Friday, March 3, 2023, God called His servant from labor to reward. Lola Mae Smith Thompson leaves behind to cherish their memories of her: husband of 58 years, Herman Thompson; daughter, Charlotte Smith-Barnett; son, Herman Thompson, Jr. (Dionna); sister, Katie Williams (Stephen); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.