Alether Dillard Thompson was born on April 20, 1951, in Columbus, MS to Lucious Dillard, Sr. and Lula Bell Edwards Dillard.  She confessed Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Southside M.B. Church. She served several years on the usher board and was a part of the missionary ministry.  She received her education in the Columbus City Schools and completed her studies at R.E. Hunt High School. Alether began working at United Technologies, formerly American Bosch, in 1973 as an assembly operator for 33 years.

Alether enjoyed word puzzles and bingo. She also enjoyed watching western tv shows and attending church.

Alether departed this life on July 25, 2023, in Columbus, MS. She is preceded in death by: her parents; her siblings: Lula Mae Sturdivant, Eddie Lee Williams, R.L. Gardner, Lucious Dillard, Jr., and Felix Dillard.

Alether's memories will forever be cherished by her children: Alesia Council of Columbus, MS and Frank Thompson, Jr. of Memphis, TN; her siblings: Otis (Annie) Gardner and Mary (Robert) Pryor both of Columbus, MS; five grandchildren: Lavaris, Corey, Myia, Tiquash all of Columbus, MS and Tiger of Memphis, TN; four great-grandchildren: Bella, Grayson, Casen, and Paris all of Columbus, MS; her sister-in-law, Gretta Gardner of Columbus, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.