Ila Jean Thomson

Ila Jean Thomson, 79, of Sheridan, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025.

Jean was born on November 18, 1945, to Albert Ray Strahan and Iris Mae Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin Thomson; daughter, Amber Elizabeth Rodgers; parents, Albert and Iris, and sisters, Ellen Wise and Dot Wilkerson.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Heird (William); stepson, Bryan Thomson (Lori); and stepdaughters, Julie Benguerel (Joe) and Tricia Kelley (Colin). Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy: Jessica Heird, Hunter Heird, Olivia McCarty, Mikey Cunningham, Andy Cunningham, Brandon Thomson, Nicholas Lewis, Alexis Kelley, and Ashlyn Kelley, along with great-grandchildren Dunkin Heird, Bennett Thomson, Preston Lewis, Olive Cunningham and Avery Cunningham. Jean also leaves behind her sister, Corida Vaughn; brother, Billy Ray Strahan (Ivanell); and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.

Jean was first and foremost a devoted homemaker, caring for her family with love and pride. She graduated from Dollarway High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she was a cheerleader and sang in the choir — early signs of her lively spirit and outgoing nature. Later, while her children were still young, she attended nursing school, a true reflection of her determination and drive to better herself and care for others. Her time as a nurse showed the same compassion, strength, and grit she carried throughout her life.

Jean was a proud member of TrueHope Church in Sheridan, Arkansas, where she loved her church family and was always ready to lend a hand wherever she was needed.

Jean was known for her unmistakable style and flair-she loved fashion, the colors green and purple, and surrounding herself with beautiful flowers and plants. She had a spark that made her truly one of a kind: full of sass, independence, and determination. If something needed to be said, Jean said it! Strong-willed, outspoken, and full of life, she never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend.

A visitation will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:00AM, with a service to follow at 11:00AM at Smith Family Funeral Home Hot Springs Chapel, 2205 Airport Rd. Hot Springs, AR. Interment will follow in procession after the service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TrueHope Church in Sheridan, Arkansas, in honor of Jean's faithful spirit and love for her church family.
TrueHgne Church, PO Box 398, Sheridan, AR 72150