CAMARGO – Opal Thompson, who died on Tuesday at the age of 84, owned and operated Thompson's Grocery Store in Camargo for 64 years. But many will tell you that Mrs. Thompson meant much more than that to this small Douglas County community where she lived, served and worked for all those years.

She's been called the "Queen of Camargo", "Angel of Camargo", "Everybody's Fairy Godmother" and "the heart and soul of the community."

"Whenever you needed to know something in the community, you went to ask Opal. She was the source of information in town," said longtime friend Rosemary Cox. Because of Mrs. Thompson's dedication to the community, the store also functioned as a sort of town hall, fire station and community gathering spot through the years. Before the 9-1-1 service was installed, fire and emergency calls would ring into the store phone. The volunteer fire department made Mrs. Thompson an honorary firefighter for her service to the town.

Jack Thompson, Opal's son and village president, has worked in the store full-time with his mother since 1990. He runs the legendary meat counter that serves handmade deli sandwiches and quality fresh meats. "She was dedicated to this grocery store right up until the end," he said. Mrs. Thompson continued to work while she struggled with a long list of health issues in the last few months.

Since her home was attached to the store, Jack says, his mom was always available if anybody ever needed anything. She knew what her customers wanted and kept a little bit of everything in stock. Everything from groceries, toiletries, hardware and greeting cards could be found on her shelves.

According to Cox, Thompson's good business sense helped keep the small rural store open and profitable when many others have fallen by the wayside. She knew how to keep customers coming back by offering little touches like special orders, delayed billing and candy treats to every child who visited.

Terri Miller worked for Mrs. Thompson for 20 years and was the only non-family member employee to help at the store. "She molded me into the person I am today. She taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and a positive attitude," Miller said.

Miller recalls the many acts of kindness Mrs. Thompson did that went unnoticed, such as generous anonymous donations to customers in need at Christmas time. "She always gave from her heart. Her arms were open to everyone," she said.

Thompson's General Store will continue to be open for customers and as a community gathering place through the first of the year. Jack says he is unsure about the future of the store, but for now it's open as it's always been.

Cox and Miller agree that is the way Opal would have wanted it. Miller said, "It won't be the same without her, but we will carry on, because that's what she would have wanted."