Shella Joann (Belcher) Thompson passed away at her home in Avon, Indiana on Monday, April 22, 2024. She was born October 20, 1936, in Florala, Alabama to Abner and Lillian (Graben) Belcher. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, George Harlan Thompson; her brothers, Gerald Ladon Belcher and Noah Rayford Belcher; her sons, Terry Lynn Thompson and George Craig Thompson; her grandson, Joshua Thomas Thompson; and her great granddaughter, Kaylee Nicole Gilliland.
Shella Jo's loving family are her son, Steven Thompson; her daughters-in-law, Jennifer Thompson and Mary Thompson Rupp; her grandchildren, Shella Thompson, Tara Thompson, Jeremiah Thompson, Jennifer Thompson, and Lexi Thompson; her sisters, Maudine (Teenie) Clark and Linda Barron (Jack); her great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Shella Jo grew up on the family's Alabama farm until they moved north to Mishawaka, Indiana in 1950. She loved singing in a trio with her mother and sister, Teenie, at the South Bend Church of God. She met George Harlan and moved to White Water, Wisconsin where his love of horses birthed Thompson Stables. With their three sons, they showed and trained Tennessee Walkers. The reputation of Thompson Stables attracted boarders from all over Wisconsin and surrounding states.
The land and animals were Shella Jo's passion. After many years in Wisconsin, she and George Harlan retired to Indiana where they made their home on 12 acres with a fishing pond. She enjoyed having dogs and watching the hummingbirds at her feeder. Shella Jo was happiest in nature, surrounded by gardens of flowers and vegetables. Throughout her life she was always on the go, working at the barn, canning, caring for animals, and caring for her family. She took joy in encouraging and supporting her kids and grandkids in their pursuits and activities.
The funeral service will be Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Matthews Mortuary, 690 E. 56th St., Brownsburg, IN. Burial is following at St. Malachy Cemetery West. Please visit www.matthewsmortuary.com  to make an online condolence.