Annie Louise Thompson

Annie Louise Thompson, 86, of Columbus, GA, entered her eternal rest under Hospice care on March 6, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm EDT to 4:00 pm EDT. Sharing of her story will begin at 2:45 pm EDT led by her brother, Bill Allison.

Annie Thompson was born at Ft. Benning, GA, on October 20, 1939, to the late LTC Samuel Allison and Mary Francis Allison. She attended school in Columbus, GA and graduated from Baker High School in 1957. Growing up on a farm, Annie developed a love for fishing and horses, especially her beloved horse Frankie Allen, whom she talked about often. She loved babies and having fun with kids. She was the mom who took her kids to the skating rink and skated with them. Annie did ceramics, Avon, and Tupperware, primarily because she loved to be around people. She and Chuck enjoyed late nights of card games and spontaneous gospel singing sessions at their home when someone was willing to play the piano. They enjoyed entertaining guests and always had a pot of coffee on. Their home became a refuge for many. Annie lost Chuck in 1981 to heart disease.

In 1986 she married Jack. They had a lot of fun together and she had the privilege of walking him home after he was diagnosed with cancer in 1992, becoming not only his wife and friend, but also his caregiver. In her later years, she loved to welcome people home, sitting outside of the apartment she lived in. When new neighbors moved in, especially young soldiers, she offered to show them around Columbus and told them stories of growing up there. Annie enjoyed going to Publix and spent more of her time socializing rather than shopping.

The loss of her sons Charlie in 2022 and John in 2024 was a pain she carried in her heart but with God’s help was able to keep going. Between keeping in touch with grands, family and friends by phone, she spent a lot of time creating art with her adult coloring. She also loved to go and never missed a chance to do so! Annie was outgoing, caring and loved by many. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Thompson is preceded in death by her husbands, Jack E. Thompson, Charles “Chuck” B. Widgeon, and Richard K. Harston (father of Sherry and Richard); sons, Charles “Charlie” Walter Widgeon and John Thomas Widgeon; and bonus son, David Widgeon.

Annie is survived by her children, Sherry Watford and husband Ricky, and Richard “Bubba” Harston and wife Sherri; bonus daughter, Melanie Emerson Taft; brothers, LTC Samuel C. Allison and wife Kathy and children Natalie, Angie, and Drew, Col. Bill Allison and daughters Alisa and Yancey, and Frank C. Allison and wife Wylene; grandchildren, Sean Morris, Samantha VonMeyer, Shannon (Anthony), KK (Chris), Michelle Widgeon, Morgan Widgeon, and Hunter Widgeon; great-grandchildren, Ariel, Liam, Dixie, Tallulah Ray, and Annslie Ryce; special friends, Ann Carver, Kathy Robbins, JoAnne Lightning, and Vanessa; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family expresses a special thank you to her caregivers at Piedmont Medical Center and Canterberry Rehab in Phenix City for the love, kindness, and special care shown to Mrs. Annie in her final days.