Lucille Gilden Thompson

Lucille Gilden Thompson, 93, of Asheville, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at Aston Park Health Care Center. A native of Oconee Co., SC, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Lula Dorsey Gilden. She was also preceded in death by her husband, G. Wilson Thompson, brothers, Bill and John Gilden, and sisters, Elizabeth Neville, Virgis Bryant, and Ruth Sentell. Lucille and Wilson, "Tom", met in Asheville at an Asheville-Biltmore College basketball game in 1947. They were married in July 1948, and lived briefly in St. Louis, MO, where he attended college in preparation of returning to Asheville for work at the Weather Bureau. Lucille worked at Asheville FCX for many years until her retirement in the 1990's. They were active members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church from the mid-1940's, where she was a member of both the Women of Emmanuel and the LWML. Known throughout Asheville for her love of cooking, many family, friends and bridge buddies (she was a much sought after partner), share memories of their favorite recipes, especially her unmatched coconut cake which daughter Pam remembers her making them every year on their December birthdays. Mrs. Thompson is survived by her daughter, Pamela Thompson Stein and her husband George, of Weaverville; son, Randy Thompson of Colorado; granddaughters, Charlotte Stein and Rachel Stein Trumbo and her husband Geoff; great-grandson, Louis Trumbo; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Thompson will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dr. Michael McFarland officiating. Interment will follow at Lewis Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School, 51 Wilburn Pl, Asheville, NC 28806. The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at Aston Park and CarePartners Hospice for all the special care she received. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.