DORIS ANEITA THOMPSON, 88 years of Pylesville, MD, died on Sunday, February 4, 2018 in Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, Bel Air, MD. She was the beloved wife of Samuel Foard Thompson who died on February 23, 2001.

Born on September 22, 1929 in the Long Green area of Harford County, MD, she was a daughter of the late Luther Irvin and Aneita Mae (Engler) Jourdan and a 1946 graduate of Bel Air High School. Doris began working for Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1950 where intelligence and tenacity helped her achieve the position of contracting specialist in Research and Development. Quickly becoming a role model for others, Doris completed 35 years of service and retired in 1985.

Doris will be remembered where she was not afraid to share her opinion, offer good advice in addition to always willing to listen. She was a loving wife and mother; her family remarked that no matter what, she was always there for anyone with a warm smile and compassion. In addition, she loved to travel and cook a great meal. However, the beach was a true love where she spent many summers in Wildwood, N. J. sun bathing and body surfing. (Those summers can never be replaced.) In 1984, she and her late husband, Foard purchased a condo in Ocean City, MD in Sea Loft. It quickly became their home away from home where even at 88; Doris was known to head to the beach to see her Sea Loft friends who always made her feel special.

Doris was a member of the former VFW Post #7130 of Delta, PA and the American Legion Post #182 in Whiteford, MD for many years. A member of Emory United Methodist Church, she enjoyed singing in the church choir (alto) with her three brothers and sister where their beautiful blend of music, with Mary Ann Hutchins accompanying on the organ, was appreciated by many attendees. Together they created the most spiritual sound waves at Emory that could not be any better. The oldest of the Jourdan children, her love for her brothers and sisters was second to none. The Jourdans are a very close and loving family; Doris was proud to have been a part of this unit.

She is survived by:
A son, Philip Foard Thompson and his wife, Alberta of New Freedom, PA

A daughter, Audrey Troyer and her husband, Richard (Dick) Troyer of The Villages, Florida

A granddaughter, Tracey Hanus and her husband, Steve of White Hall, MD

A great granddaughter, Stephanie Hanus of Elizabethtown, PA

Four siblings-
Betty Brown of Bluefield, WV
James Jourdan of Hickory, MD
Lawrence of Dublin, MD
Susan Dollinger of Bluefield WV

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Luther ‘Boots” Jourdan and Jean Sturgill.

Services will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 with a visitation from 11 to 1 p.m. followed immediately with the funeral service at Emory United Methodist Church, 911 Cherry Hill Road, Street, MD 21154. Pastor Stephen Smith will officiate with interment in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate memorial contributions to the church at the above address.