Jo M. Thompson

Jo M. Thompson, of Roanoke, Va., left this world on Monday, December 28, 2009, to be with her baby brother, Gary Martin; as well as Dinky, Baby, Petie and Mama Kitty. She faced cancer head on since 2005 with courage and determination and did it her way until the end! Jo was born to Edith L. and Wallace Martin who owned B & M Sheet Metal Shop, Inc. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Jay Thompson. Their journey together included ownership of Early Attic, an antique and reproduction furniture business. 25 years ago, Jo and Jay purchased Weddle Plumbing and Heating Mechanical Contractors. Jo then became the mother to Timmy, Scott, Brian, Jay Jam, Jeff, Ron, Sid, Brad, Stevie, Gary, Galen, Shawn, James, Zach, Larry, Kenny and others too numerous to list in addition to Kim who gave her much support in the office. Anyone who knew Jo knew of her love for her cats, wearing shorts year round, booking that next trip, watching Louie play basketball, her Carolina Panthers, summer cook-outs and good friends. Her purest love, however, was for her family which includes her brothers, Lee Martin and Gary Martin (deceased); her daughter, Jolee Clarke Preston and husband, Johnny; her son, Jaye Clarke; her stepdaughters, April Thompson Marshall and husband, Alan, Missi Thompson Graves, and Tammy Thompson (deceased); and special friends, neighbors, and partners in crime, Karen and Jr Switzer and Leon Arthur. Jo's grandchildren include her granddaughter and best buddy, Mackenzie England (aka Louie), Joey and Sarah Preston, Landon and Grayson Hardy, and Brooke Elliott. What some know and others don't is Jo's deep philanthropic nature. She has provided for the needs of many people less fortunate than herself. She has been a fairy godmother to a little girl named Ashlynn, supporter of Louie's basketball teams at Andrew Lewis and Salem High School, and a supporter of several very worthwhile charities. We have all been enriched by Jo's generosity and selflessness. To say she will be missed is an understatement. Medals of Honor go to Drs. Kurt Chen and Barton Thomas. You were Jo's Generals in her fight against cancer. We thank you for your perseverance and absolute compassion. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Charles R. Doyle. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.