Lola Barbara Thompson

Thompson, Lola Barbara Stevens, 95, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Saturday, March 5, 2011, after a brief illness. She was born Feb. 22, 1916, in Bethany, NE, to Pearl Ray and Francis Xene Lenocker Stevens. She attended grammar and high school in North Platte, NE, and graduated from Drake University in 1936. She taught school in Eads, CO and married Bernard Hoover Thompson in 1936. They moved to Oak Ridge in 1944. Barbara substitute-taught at ORHS from 1948-1961, and was organist at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge from1952-1973. She volunteered at CONTACT HELPLINE while she lived in Oak Ridge. She moved to Knoxville in 1996. Barbara was a very intelligent, caring person who continued to educate herself all her life by reading and taking courses by mail and online. She enjoyed making miniature rooms, knitting, and gourmet cooking. She greatly valued her independence. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Thompson, and her daughter, Carol Thompson Cartee. She will be greatly missed by: daughter, Jean Lester and husband Tommy; daughter, Sharon McLees Kohler; son-in-law, Earl Cartee and wife Lynn; sister and brother-in-law, Bea and Clayton Sack; sister-in-law, Mary Esther Stevens; grandchildren, Sherrie Lester Groman (Tim); Jan Lester (Bill White); Kris Lester Wiseman (Jeff); Bill Lester (Jane); Ann Lester Haran (Kevin); Jason McLees (Michelle); Megan McLees Brocx (Rob); Shauna McLees Campbell (Brett); Michael Cartee; Lainie Cartee; Robert Cartee (Tara); Andy Cartee (Keri); Douglas, Ryann and Brittan Cartee; 20 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, at 5:00 PM with receiving of friends immediately following. Memorials should be made to FUMC-Oak Ridge, to CONTACT Helpline of Oak Ridge, or to the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. Condolences may be offered at www. berryfuneralhome.com