BIOGRAPHY

Louise Thompson was born in Orange, Virginia, United States on 7 June 1914, to parents to James and Commora Spottswood. She had two sisters, Marie Douglas and Helen Dittmar. She moved with her family from Virginia to Poughkeepsie, New York, when she was one year old. She graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. During her time in Poughkeepsie, she ran a successful catering business and had the honor of catering for the Roosevelt family. At age 13, she joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she was active in the choir and gospel chorus, eventually serving as president of both groups. Additionally, she was a Sunday school teacher and chairwoman of the Pastoral Committee. She also served as a board member of the Catharine Street Center.

At some point in her life, she got married. In 2001, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, to be closer to her daughter Diane and family, continuing her active lifestyle and community involvement. Upon arriving in Fairbanks, she insisted on living independently and soon started an exercise program at the senior complex where she resided. She lived independently until 2021, when she moved in with her daughter. She overcame breast cancer and had a pacemaker implanted in 2011.

Thompson later became a member of True Victory Baptist Church in North Pole, Alaska. Thompson attributed her long life to her faith in God, regular exercise, and a bit of chocolate cake.

Thompson passed away in Fairbanks, Alaska, on 24 September 2024. She was survived by her daughter Diane, two grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

In June 2024, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming the second documented supercentenarian in the U.S. state of Alaska, after Clara Anderson (2 July 1905 – 12 September 2016).

Her age was validated by LongeviQuest on 22 June 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Ex-Poughkeepsie woman set to turn 100 on June 7” – The Poughkeepsie Journal, 28 May 2014

* “Fairbanks’ oldest resident shares secret to living longer” – KTVF Fairbanks, 18 May 2018

* “Happy 110th birthday, Louise Thompson” – Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, 9 June 2024

* Louise Thompson Obituary – Daily News-Miner, 2 October 2024

GALLERY