Atha Thompson was born March 7, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Carl and Susan Smith, one of four children born to this union.

She passed away quietly in her sleep on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the tender age of 80. Atha transitioned from this life and was promoted to glory to be with her eternal heavenly family.

As a child, Atha loved to swim! Atha's cousins and her would walk to Clark Center located in the West End to go swimming. She loved to attend the movies with her cousins. They would watch Cowboy movies, cartoons Tom and Jerry, and Popeye. Atha would have a good time laughing and joking around with her cousins. The cousins that she hung out with lived close by Atha and her grandfather's church, (late Reverend Joseph Hudson). Atha and her cousins loved to attend her grandfather's church. Atha was introduced to Jesus and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior at an early age. During Easter time, Atha and her cousins would have to memorize speeches to say for the Easter program and received a bag of apples for their hard work! Also, as a child, Atha was timid, if you looked at her, she would cry. At first, Atha and the late Sonny (Atha's oldest brother) were the only children, but 10-17 years later Atha's brother Edward and her sister Debra were born.

Atha graduated from Central High School and later attended Cincinnati State to receive an Associate's degree. Atha truly loved the Lord! During Atha's early days, she worked at Liberal Market Store. Later she became a Teacher's Assistant and worked as a student tutor for 20/20. Atha met Wimlish Owens, Sr. while attending Central High School and later they married and from that union Paula, Wimlish, Jr. and Susan were born. Atha had a desire to have a deeper relationship with God. Her favorite gospel artist was Mahalia Jackson. She met Harold Thompson and their common denominator was serving God! She later married Harold and from that union Michael, Christina and David were born. Dion Smith, (cousin) the son of the late Deborah Smith Kelly (Atha's sister) was raised with the rest of us! Harold had four children from his previous marriage; the late Cheryl Williams, Harold, Jr. Valerie and Shaun. At one time ALL ELEVEN children lived under ONE roof! Harold and Atha attended church ALL the time and took ALL of their children with them! Later in life, Atha became an Ordained Reverend preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mom always had her children around her! Mom didn't play when it came to her children! She was a strong disciplinarian as well as our advocate and protector. Mom was a strong proponent of "thinking for yourself." Mom taught her children morals, values and the love of Jesus Christ! Mom's favorite advice to her children was to, "always do what's right." Mom was also a dictator and every year, mom would cook us a huge breakfast and play her favorite gospel artist's (Mahalia Jackson) songs! We ALL knew what was next…...SPRING CLEANING!!!!! That spring cleaning included; cleaning blinds, heater vents, wiping down walls and removing all spider webs from the basement (just to name a few).

Atha leaves to cherish her memories; her ten children/nephew: Paula Jackson, Wimlish (Sondra) Owens, Jr, Susan Ushery, Michael (Gea) Thompson, Christina Lynn, Dion (Leslie) Smith, David (Amy) Thompson, Harold (Carol) Thompson, Jr, Valerie (Michael) Goodman and Sharn (Kenneth) Sawyer, her brother: Carl Smith; her sister: Tamica (Gerald) Smith; her grandchildren: Kesha, Derrick, Tasha, Dwight, Monica (Terry), Tyrone, Christina, Valerie, Keith, Markeith (Brittany), Tara, Phillip Jr. (Jazmin), Ryneshia, Jaylen, Chantelle, Azia, Devon, David Jr, Chris and Caleb; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Atha is predeceased by her parents: Carl and Susan Smith, her brothers: Joseph and Edward Smith; her sister: Debra Smith Kelly, her daughter: Cheryl Williams and her son-in-law: Stan Ushery.

V isitation is from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Friday, December 11, 2020, at the Walker Funeral Home - Mt. Healthy, 7272 Hamilton Avenue , Mt. Healthy  (45231).  The funeral service will immediately follow and will begin at 3:00 p.m.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Atha or leave a special message for the Thompson family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Thompson family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.