Judy Carol Thompson

Judy Carol Thompson was born in Spencer, Iowa, to Russell and Betty (nee Heppner) Hilken. She was baptized into God's family and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at First English Lutheran Church of Spencer. In 1985 she married seminarian William E. Thompson and gladly assumed her role as pastor's wife in the parishes he served. Bill and Judy were blessed with a son, Robert, in 1991. Judy received a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Concordia University in River Forest, IL., and did extensive graduate work in music at Bowling Green State University, earning her credentials to teach K-12 music in Michigan. She was a classroom teacher at Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School in Fort Wayne (IN) and Blue Earth (MN) Area Schools, and a music specialist at Child of Christ Lutheran School and the public schools of Flushing (MI). She also served as principal of Our Savior Lutheran School (Hartland) and St. Peter's Lutheran school (Eastpointe). Judy was devoted to music education and especially to the music of Lutheran church. She was a specialist in children's vocal development who presented at state and national conferences, her curriculum The Sound Concept: Preparing Young Voices for Singing was published by GIA Publications. She authored Sunday School and VBS curricula published by Concordia Publishing House, and she sang and directed ensembles of children, adults, handbells, and instrumentalists at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Liberty Center, OH) and Our Savior Lutheran Church (Hartland). She believed that each of us has been given an instrument - our voice - and that there was no greater joy and privilege than to use that voice to proclaim Christ. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the Reverend William E. Thompson, and her father Russell. She is survived by her son Robert Thompson; mother Betty Brobst; brother John Hilken (Levonne); brother Mark Hilken (Kathy); brother-in-law Robert Thompson (Kathy); special friend of the family Devan Pryzwara; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; and innumerable friends and former students whose lives were influenced by her teaching and example. She bore the suffering of her final illness with grace, determination, and the confidence of one who looked forward to her reunion with her loved ones and her eternal reward with Christ. Family will receive friends and visitors Sunday 12-7 pm and Monday 2-8pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave. at Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods. Instate Tuesday 10 am until time of service 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 22915 Greater Mack Ave, St Clair Shores.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe Woods

20705 Mack

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236