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THOMPSON, NILA MABLE WATERS - 87 of Knoxville. On April 19, 1924, in Knoxville, TN a sweet baby girl named Nila Mable was born to proud and loving parents Jennie and James Houston (Huse) Waters. The little bundle was welcomed home by siblings Clarence, Leona, Ruth, Louise, and Herbert. At around the age of two Nila was awarded a $20 gold coin after being entered in the cutest baby contest at a local picnic, a bounty she proudly shared with her entire family. Nila and her siblings grew up in the Beaumont neighborhood and she later graduated from Rule High School in 1942. During the WWII war effort she began working at Fulton's (currently known as Robert Shaw-Fulton Co.) in downtown Knoxville where she met her husband and love of her life Frank Thompson. Her entry position was as a solder and brazer, a task at which she became so proficient, she was promoted as the only female to one of four top secret positions that completed special orders for the US Government. She later referred to her work as very "teejious", but was always diligent with her tasks. Nila was such a social person she didn't relish being tucked away in a room alone, but through the years Fulton's provided her with a multitude of fun loving, and long lasting friendships. 'The girls' would check in on each other frequently, enjoy long lunch dates and visit Dollywood up until the last few years. Never having children of her own, Nila enjoyed every minute spent with a baby in her arms or finding entertainment for inquisitive toddlers. In turn, her care and time spent has been and will be a legacy for generations to come. Nila's favorite things in life were her family, friends, shopping, vanilla crème cookies, black coffee, ice cream, fried shrimp, reading the Guidepost and morning paper. Nila was amazing at working the daily paper's word jumble and celebrity cipher, a hobby she inspired in several others. Nila had a gift for telling stories, a contagious giggle (especially while looking through old photo's and letters), loved hosting holiday meals and having her home filled with family and friends. She would spend hours sitting outside watching children play on her driveway while visiting with neighbors, and pointing out the humor in the world that buzzed with activity around her. We will all truly miss the color she added to our lives. Entering this world as the last child of her family, so Nila is last to walk the path to heaven when she peacefully passed away at home on July 26, 2011. Of those living in Knoxville, TN Nila is survived by her sister in law Beatrice F. Waters; nephew Herbert L. Waters, Jr. and wife Sandra, nephew James Waters and niece Sue Waters; great niece Judith W. Staunton, husband Josh and son Zachary; great niece Lara W. Periut, husband Nick, daughter Cora and son Jackson; great niece Ruthie S. Rosser and husband Danny. Of those living in Atlanta, GA Nila is survived by her niece Jo Ann B. Adair; nephew J. Don Braden and wife Victoria. There are many more friends and family not listed but very much loved. Remembrance service for friends and family will be held at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel on Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Assembly for interment will be at 10:45 am Saturday, July 29, at Highland Memorial Cemetery on Sutherland Avenue for the interment service at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Alan Smith of Grace Covenant Baptist Church will preside over graveside services. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel on July 28, 2011