Mary Jo (Harris) Thompson a long time Abilene resident died Tuesday October 16 2012 while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pioneer Texas on March 18 1930 to Lucille and Ab Harris. She graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1947. A graveside memorial will be held at 2:00 on Friday October 19 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery on West Lake Road under the direction of North's Funeral Home. She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years Clovis Thompson. They met at a high school dance in 1947. She – the high school sweetheart and he a WWII hero just home from overseas. Together these two kids from The Greatest Generation raised three children while developing a thriving shoe business The Shoe Tree (a children's shoe store in Abilene for about 30 years). Mary was a faithful wife loving mother and good friend. A gentle caring person that made the world a better place. She stood for truth and integrity. While never judging always forgiving and forever sacrificing she was a small giant among women – one of True Grit! She will be greatly missed by her one son Duey Thompson of Taos New Mexico; two daughters Dana Thompson of Abilene; JoDee Pate and husband Joe Pate of Abilene. One grandson: Shawn Thompson of Ft. Worth; two granddaughters: BranDee Williams and husband Kelsey of Midland; SanDee Barnes and husband David of Merkel. Great- grandsons: Bryce Williams and wife Paige; Kam Williams and Hunter Barnes. One great-grandaughter Sydnee Barnes and one great-great-grandson Major Williams; her sister Bess Coppinger of Corpus Christi and two nieces. Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com