Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Carolyn Ruth Thompson Oglesby, of Helen, WV went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 21, 2022 after a life well lived.

Born on September 2, 1947, to the late David Thompson, Sr. and Ruth Graves Thompson, she was the third of nine children. She attended Helen Elementary in Helen, WV; Byrd Prillerman in Amigo, WV; Mark Twain High School in Stotesbury, WV and Beckley College in Beckley, WV.

Missionary Oglesby accepted Christ in her life on April 27, 1975 at the Pentecostal Church of Christ under the pastorship of Pastor William “Willie” Schofield. In 1986, she joined the Holiness Church of Jesus under the late Bishop James A. Scales/Bishop Connie T. Scales. Everyone that knew her knew she was a Praiser and a Warrior for Jesus Christ.

On July 5, 1970, she married Luther “Butch” Doris Oglesby, Jr., and was blessed with 21 years of marriage.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Dave Thompson, Sr.; mother, Ruth Graves Thompson; brothers, Dave Thompson, Jr., and Larry Thompson; grandfather, Sam Thompson and stepdaughter, Lisa Carson.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Gregory (Jamaica) Oglesby and Daniel (Ebony) Oglesby of Beckley, WV, Martin Oglesby of Huntington, WV, Gloria Oglesby of High Point, NC and Danielle Oglesby of Charleston, WV; brothers, Sam Thompson of NC, Donald (Queen) Thompson of WV, Terry Thompson of NJ, Walter Thompson of WV, Anthony (Renee) Thomas of AK; sister, Latisha Thomas of NC; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; special sisters, Marian Pickens, Sandra Blaney, Barbara Amar and Betty Thompson; adoptive sons, Andre Scales, Mikey Penn (aka “Sammy Davis, Jr.”), Michael Phillips and Bryant Phares; adoptive daughters, Alaunda Gilmore, Carmelita Moore and Michelle Smith and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Missionary Oglesby loved her family and church. You would always catch her laughing and spreading God’s word. She never met a stranger nor was ashamed to tell them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She would never hesitate to pray whenever you asked. She had so many neighborhood kids that loved to call her Mom, Grandma or Ma-Lu’s Mom. She was a sweet person that always set the example of how to live holy and still love/enjoy life. She was a true matriarch that we know is praising her way through the pearly gates and singing her songs, “This Little Light of Mine” and “I Have So Much to Thank the Lord For”.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, September 2, 2022 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Bishop William L. Washington officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.