Contributed by Annette Burdett
THE FAIRFIELD RECORDER
Thursday, April 23, 1992
Esther Thompson
Funeral services were held recently in Mexia for Freestone county native, Esther Thompson, 91, who died April 9 in Houston, Tx.
Mrs. Thompson was born April 9, 1901, to Charlie and Clara Sims Glanton. She was the former Esther Roller Williford and was preceded in death by her husband, Perry Thompson, a Mexia businessman, in 1986, and by a great-grandson, Jeffrey O'Connell, in 1989.
She operated the Roller Hotel in Mexia for many years and also owned and operated an adjoining restaurant, the Western Grill. Both buildings have been torn down.
Mrs. Thompson was a member of Mexia Garden Club and First United Methodist Church of Mexia, and was noted during her earlier days as an accomplished musician. She played both the piano and organ, and also did artistic work which had been displayed at various functions.
Services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at First United Methodist Church of Mexia with the Rev. Steve Ramsdell, pastor, officiating.
Eulogy was given by John Richard Williford of Houston, a grandson of Mrs. Thompson.
Burial was at Cotton Gin Cemetery.
Pallbears were Howard Acton, Steve Lappin, Glen Williford, C. A. Williford, Paul Beard and Tom Lappin.
Mrs. Thompson is survived by a daughter, Virginia McCarter of Houston; a son, Richard Williford of Shiner; four grandchildren, John Williford and Howard Acton, both of Houston, Ginny Lappin of Sugarland and Linda Beard of Yoakum; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family request memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of Mexia, TX.