Miriam Drury Thompson, 99, of Hollywood MD passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at her residence. Born June 2, 1911 in Leonardtown MD, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Benedict and Lillie Saunders Drury.

Miriam Drury Thompson grew up in Leonardtown as the youngest of six. After graduating from St. Mary's Academy in 1930 with a specialty in music and piano, she taught for six years at St. John's School in Hollywood. At that time, as a member of a swing band that included Leo and Francis Weiland, Paul Bailey, and Dale Cropper, she played twice weekly, most notably upstairs at Dukes on Friday nights. She married Upton Thompson of Hollywood in 1936 and raised nine children on a tobacco farm.

She taught her children the Catholic religion and culture that had been taught to her. With her children raised and educated, she spent her time listening, telling stories, sharing tea, and caring for the grandchildren. The piano in the house was always part of her life and many in the neighborhood heard the afternoon songs she enjoyed playing. Miriam also enjoyed her weekly card games with her special friends. She was a gentle soul, making few demands of others as she lived her life.

Miriam is survived by her children; Benedict D. (Sheila) Thompson, DDS, of Walkersville MD, Frances M. (George) Thompson of Hollywood MD, Wayne A. (Joan) Thompson of Hollywood MD, Michael (Barbara) Thompson of Hollywood MD, John O. (Elise) Thompson of Hollywood MD, Patricia T. (Steve) Suit of California MD, C. Elizabeth 'Tism' (Alan) Blackwell of Virginia Beach VA, and Samuel C. (Susan) Thompson of California MD, daughter-in-law, Marylou Thompson of Alexandria VA; sister-in-law, Henrietta Abell of Hollywood MD; aunt, Mary Helen Saunders of Leonardtown MD; 26 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Miriam is survived by her dedicated caregivers, Ann Poe and Margaret Tinsley.

In addition to her parents, Miriam was preceded in death by her husband, Upton Thompson, Sr.; her son, Upton Thompson, Jr.; siblings, Lillian Duke, Stella Dent, Elbert Drury, Benedict Drury, and Foley Drury.

Family will receive friends for Miriam's Life Celebration on Friday, January 14, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10 a.m. with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jamie, Patrick, Glenn, Ronnie, Joseph, and Matt Thompson; honorary pallbearers will be David, Paul, Michael, Chris, John, Ben, and Daniel Thompson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown MD 20650 and/or St. Johns School, 43900 St. John's Rd., Hollywood MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown MD.