Mary Maggio Thompson-Willis

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Mary Maggio Thompson-Willis will be at 10 AM Saturday January 27, 2018, at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, LA with Rev. Blake DeShautelle serving as celebrant. Burial will follow in Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm on Friday, January 26th at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday in the funeral home chapel. Mrs. Willis, 98 years of age and a longtime resident of Houston, TX, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 in Natchitoches. She was born on September 15, 1919 to Sam and Carmelite Maggio in Natchitoches, LA. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Louisiana State Normal College. She married Air Force instrument mechanic Johnny Thompson, February 16, 1941 travelling with him during his tour of duty in the United States. When he was called away for overseas duty during World War II she returned to Natchitoches where she began working for Panama-Williams, a pipeline company that employed her locally but then later relocated her to Houston, Texas. She was a dedicated employee, ultimately reaching the title of vice president. Eventually, Johnny and Mary started J. W. Thomspon Safety Equipment in Houston, TX, a company that provided wholesale safety equipment and fire extinguishers. She remained an integral part of that business until she was 95 years of age. She served on many boards including National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Delta Rho Delta – Omega Chapter, and the Siena Club through St. Thomas University of Houston. She was a devout Catholic lady and was very active in St. Thomas University. Devoted to her many nieces and nephews she was referred to as Aunt Mary by all. They shared her interests and were often treated by her with an invitation to one of the many events she attended. She was a fan of the arts frequently visiting museums, the symphony, the theater and ballet in Houston. She supported her local sports teams being an enthusiastic fan of Rice University Football, the Houston Astros Baseball and other teams whose games she went to. She was an avid traveler both domestic and abroad who loved to see other places and cultures on her many trips with friends and family. She was predeceased by her 1st husband, Johnny Thompson, 2nd husband, Joe Willis; parents, Sam and Carmelite Maggio; and siblings, Rosalie Fulco, Joe S. Maggio, Jeanette Gunter, Ned Maggio, and Charlie Maggio. She is survived by her siblings, Sadie Dark, Sister Ann Carmel, Terry Janes, Henry “Buddy” Maggio, and John Maggio; step-children, Trudy Ambrose, Johnny Willis and Steven Willis; a step-granddaughter, Amy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Jimmy Gunter, Henry Maggio, Jr., Sam Roy Fulco, John Maggio, Jr., Don Dark, Jr., and David Hadden. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Chris Maggio, Dr. Mark Janes, and Francis Giering.