Hilda Mae Baines Thompson
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Hilda Mae Baines Thompson

  • February 27, 1921 - December 16, 2012
  • Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Grace Baptist Church
    1013 Penniman Rd
    Williamsburg, VA 23185
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“Hilda has been an inspiration to all of us. Her strength and courage was something to be admired and cherished! She had the wit and charm of an 18...Read More » ”
1 of 3 | Posted by: Narres, Ginny, and Aimeedorra Dickerson - VA

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Thompson family. May those precious memories of your dear loved one Hilda be foremost in your hearts and minds...Read More » ”
2 of 3 | Posted by: MB

“I was a fried of Ms. Hilda, she was always smiles at church when I saw her, I always made it a point to find her and say hello. She was like my own...Read More » ”
3 of 3 | Posted by: Karen McCracken Hill - VA


Hilda Mae Baines Thompson went to be with her Lord on December 16, 2012. She was born on February 27, 1921, the third of five children to Leon Polk Baines and Nora Barbee Baines. Hilda was raised on a farm in Nashville, North Carolina, and after years of hard work on the family farm, she was determined to get a career in nursing. To pay for nursing school, her family helped her pick enough grapes to pay for her tuition. After completing high school, Hilda graduated from Rocky Mount Sanatorium Hospital Nursing School. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Rocky Mount and then at Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, VA. She had a long career there, advancing to Assistant Director of Nursing before retiring in 1982. Hilda was instrumental in establishing the Eastern State Retirees group of which she remained an active member.

Hilda was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church where she taught Girls in Action, coordinated the Outreach Ministry, and helped in Vacation Bible School.

She enjoyed sewing, cross-stitch, making handmade ornaments and other crafts including jewelry. Hilda was a lifelong learner; even taking painting lessons in her 90's. She enjoyed cooking and visiting with her family.

Hilda was married for 66 years to the love of her life, Abe Thompson. He preceded her in death, as well as her sisters: Dorthene Cheatham and husband, Marshall; Inez Gilpatrick and husband, Pat; and Doris Chamblee and husband, Eddie. Left to celebrate her life are her daughters, Patricia Palm and husband, Larry of Austin, TX; Ann McMillan and husband, John of Foscoe, NC; and Kathy Swindells and husband, Billy of Williamsburg; grandchildren, Robert Palm, Steven Palm, Zane McMillan, Lauren Martin and husband, Will; Stephanie McMillan, Nichole Machen and husband, Jason; Lindsay Grasty and husband, David; great-grandchildren, Adrienne Palm, Kyleigh Keith, Tayler and Payton Machen, and Calvin Martin; brother, Marshall Baines; sister-in-law, Tommie Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Spring Arbor and Community Hospice for their care and service.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. The service will be Wednesday, December 19 at 11:00 am at Grace Baptist Church, followed by interment at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 1013 Penniman Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.