BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: Mrs. Sid Thompson received much applause and a standing ovation after her Commendation presentation at last week’s Prattville City Council meeting.
Mrs. Sid Thompson was honored and recognized for her service and many accomplishments at last week’s Prattville City Council meeting, and given a Commendation by Mayor Bill Gillespie.
Well known as a long-time public servant in Autauga County, Thompson was joined by her family in the courtroom of City Hall, and expressed her deep appreciation, and love for her community. She said she was humbled and honored to receive the Commendation from Mayor Gillespie and the City of Prattville.
“I have known you since you were just a kid,” Thompson said to Mayor Gillespie with a hug and a smile.
Mayor Gillespie told the audience that his family and the Thompson family have known each other for years. Thompson served on the Prattville City Council with Gillespie’s father.
Mrs. Thompson served multiple terms on the Autauga County Commission, but her seat was left open in the recent election, as she is retiring. The seat was won by Rusty Jacksland who will take over the Commission seat for District 1.
Mayor Gillespie shared the following information concerning Thompson’s many years of service:
Thompson was born in Crenshaw County and spent her childhood in Luverne, Alabama. She graduated from Luverne High School.
She has been married for 64 years to her husband, Billy C. Thompson, and they have three children including Sheryl, Debra and William. They dote on their nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Mrs. Thompson began her service to the community in 1988 when she was elected councilwoman for District 4 in the City of Prattville. In 1992, she was elected Prattville’s first female City Council President, and she held that position until 1996.
On Nov 12, 2008, Mrs. Thompson was elected to the District 1 seat for the Autauga County Commission as the first female county commissioner. Eight years later, she became the Vice-Chairman for the Autauga County Commission on Nov. 16, 2016, and she has served in that role for two terms.
In his commendation to Mrs. Thompson, Mayor Gillespie said, “She has always encouraged community involvement and patriotism during her career. She was instrumental in the starting of the street display of American flags on Sheila Boulevard. She has continued to be involved with many community organizations and boards while serving her constituents. The hard work and dedication over her tenure have been instrumental in our community.”
After the reading of her Commendation, Thompson received a standing ovation and much applause.
The Elmore/Autauga News would like to thank Mrs. Thompson for her many years of service, and wish her the best in new adventures, more time for her family, but with the full knowledge she is not one to sit back and be still. Thank you for standing up for your county and your community.
