Sally Jo (Collins) Thompson

Mrs. Sally Jo Collins Thompson, age 89, of Vidalia, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law following a brief illness.

She was born and raised in Cobbtown, Georgia, and was a 1955 graduate of Collins High School. She then attended Georgia Southern College before beginning her career in Vidalia, where she worked at both Chevrolet and Ford car dealerships. It was during her time at Threlkeld Motor Company that she met her husband, Jack Thompson. She later worked as a bank teller at Darby Bank in Vidalia. After starting her family, she returned to the workforce and began a long and dedicated career at the Vidalia-Toombs County Library, where she served as Circulation Supervisor for 28 years. She retired in May 2005 to enjoy time as a grandmother, but her love for the library led her to continue working part-time for an additional 20 years, finally retiring in September 2025. In 2019, she founded “Sally Jo’s Supper Club,” a weekly gathering of family and close friends centered around good food, laughter, and fellowship for nearly seven years.

Mrs. Thompson was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Vidalia and a member of the Winsome and Joy Sunday School Class. Mrs. Thompson’s deep love for God was evident throughout her life and in her steadfast faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Billy Jack Thompson; her parents, Joe Base and Gertrude Collins; her sister, Gloria Mercer and her husband, Louie Mercer; and her brother, Remer Joe Collins.

She is survived by her two children, April T. Clark and husband Keith, and David M. Thompson and wife Sarah; one brother-in-law, James A. Thompson and wife Peggy, of the Center Community; two granddaughters, Mahaylee Grace Thompson and Emily Thompson, all of Vidalia; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 at Pine Crest Cemetery in Vidalia, Georgia, with Reverend Don Moye and Reverend Tracy Todd officiating.

The family will receive friends at the graveside one hour prior to the service.

Afterwards, family and friends are invited to gather at her home for a time of fellowship and remembrance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Missions Fund or the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 631, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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