Vella Lou Thompson

Vella Lou Thompson, age 78, of Tazewell, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Bluefield, West Virginia, following a lengthy illness. Born in Red Ash, Virginia, on February 22, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Johnny William Thompson and Bertha Mary Dunford Thompson. Vella was a bright, talkative, and social spirit who never met a stranger. Known for her lovable nature, she found her greatest joy in the company of her family. She had a passion for shopping, especially at Cato’s and took immense pride in her home, which she always kept immaculate. A woman of faith, Vella enjoyed attending services at The Open Door Church in Tazewell and The Bibleway Church in Raven. She was known for her affectionate heart, rarely walking away from a conversation without saying, “I love you, honey.” In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Allen Gilbert; son-in-law, Ricky Kiser; daughters, Barbara Whitt and Crystal Gayle Gilbert; and one brother, Doug Thompson. Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Tommy Lee Gilbert, Jr. and wife, Billie Jean McClanahan of Vansant, VA James Gilbert and fiancée, Sarah Lambert of Raven, VA Judy Kiser and husband, Dean of Lebanon, VA. Sisters: Linda Thompson of Richlands, VA Mary Ann Thompson of Roanoke, VA Her Brother, Terry Thompson of Tazewell, VA Eight beloved grandchildren: Savannah Gilbert, Christian Dalton Gilbert, Matthew Gilbert, Deana Kiser, Timmy Hunnell, Thomas Gilbert, Davin Corey Kiser Belcher, and Michael Kiser Stacy. She is also survived by her five precious great-grandchildren: Kastay “Cassie” Leab, Waylon Stacy Kiser, Zachariah Kiser Belcher, Alianna Gilbert, and Jelena Gilbert Vicente A host of family and friends also survive In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home to assist in her funeral expenses. Funeral services for Vella Lou Thompson will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia, with the Rev. Greg Harman officiating. Interment will be private. Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Gilbert, Dean Kiser, Trevor Blankenship, Dallen Underwood, Timmy Hunnell, and Justine Lambert. A Visitation will begin on Friday at 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Vella Lou Thompson

February 22, 1948 - March 31, 2026