Happy birthday to America and happy birthday to Alice Thompson!

July 4^th celebrates the birth of the United States. This July 4^th Washington Celebrates America will also be celebrating something extra special, with an early birthday present to Alice Thompson, who turns 100 on Aug. 13. Alice, who has lived in Washington nearly her entire life, has been named the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade.

Organized by the Washington Celebrates America committee, the group annually chooses a resident who has a history of volunteerism and service to the community as its Grand Marshal. Alice Thompson certainly fits the bill!

Alice, affectionally known by those who know her as Avon Alice or Tupperware Thompson, has accumulated many noteworthy accomplishments in her life.

As a widow early in her marriage (her husband Larry, whom she married in 1939, passed in 1957) she raised five children, started her Avon business 70 years ago and then started another business selling Tupperware for 20 years plus, all while working fulltime at the American Can Company from 1952 to 1986. As an “Avon Lady” she is arguably the oldest active Avon salesperson in the United States.   

A member of Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church she has always been hard working, serving in many capacities, such as Trustee, Steward, Stewardess, Missionary, and choir member. In addition to her own church, Alice’s volunteer efforts have included projects for Norwescap, Habitat for Humanity, NAACP, and the Belvidere Presbyterian Church, along the way helping homeless veterans, Appalachian Mountain folks, and tent people. She was also a member of the Warren County Human Relations Commission. In 2008 Alice received the Beacon Award for Excellence from the Commission.

She has participated in numerous town events such as local fairs, church bazaars, and has even served as an election poll worker. She is a staunch advocate for community togetherness.

One of her proudest moments came when after not completing her high school years, she later earned her GED and “walked” with the graduating Class of 2008 at Warren Hills Regional High School. 

Alice is adored by her family and friends. She is well known as a loving and caring person with a quick wit and a twinkle in her eyes. She puts a smile on everyone’s face who meets her.

And she has a sense of humor. When talking about her extended family, she pauses and then reels off the numbers: five children, Raymond, Leroy, Cynthia, Edward and Roberta, and after that she “thinks” she has 8 grandchildren, 28 great grand children and 9 great great grandchildren. 

This year’s Washington Celebrates America event takes place on Monday July 4 and includes an orange crate derby, an old-fashioned parade that steps off at 3 p.m. along Belvidere Avenue and Broad Street in Washington, and fireworks that evening at the Warren Hills Middle School. To find out more about Washington Celebrates America, LIKE its Facebook page.