Barbara Alice Thompson

SHELBY- Barbara A. Thompson, beloved mother, daughter, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026 in Cleveland County, NC at the age of 102. Born on March 28, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY, she brought joy, tenacity and direction to every relationship and situation she encountered throughout her purposeful life.

After graduating from Kings County College Nursing School in 1945, she met her husband, Roger Thompson. A simple backyard meeting in Closter, New Jersey, blossomed to love and marriage. Together they embarked on a life in the Air Force that took them to Oklahoma, Japan, Maine and Alaska before settling in Plattsburgh, NY with their four children. Unlike many women in that day, she embraced a career in public health in addition to the great meaning she found as a mother.

She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, NY for over 50 years. She enjoyed the Couples Club and annual Tea and Bazaar. She served as a deacon, a member of the Session and as a greeter. If you attended her church, you knew Barbara Thompson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Helen Traudt and husband Lt. Col. Roger C. Thompson.

She is survived by her children, Roger Thompson (Kathy) of Clinton, NY, Jan Ward (Bill) of Shelby, NC, David Thompson (Vicki Jo) of Brewster, MA and Jeffrey Thompson (Kristen) of Los Gatos, CA; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Julie, Geoffrey, Caitlin, Michael, Kristen and Chris; and her 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 11am at First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, located at 34 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. All who knew and loved Barbara are invited to attend the memorial service.

A private burial will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery on Cape Cod.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, NY in Memory of Barbara Thompson at 34 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

The family extends special thanks to the many individuals who brought compassionate care to her final months of life at Atrium Health Cleveland Pines. Among these are Kally, Brandy, Susie, Shannon, Angie, Marie, Jean, Ashlynn, Jacob, Will, Mirta, Brian, Laura, Amy, Sally, Gilda and so many others. Thank you also to Nadine of Hospice.

Though she has left this world, Barbara’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor. 5:8)

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center and Casper Funeral and Cremation Services in Boston, MA www.claybarnette.com