Barbara Jane Shippey Thompson, long-time resident of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on August 8, 2022 at the age of 91. Barbara was preceded in death by: loving husband, Jack M. Thompson Jr; father, Forrest Shippey; cherished mother, Bessie G. Alley Reed; stepfather, Russell Reed; brother, Gordon V. Shippey; and granddaughter, Kourtney Michelle Thompson.
Barbara loved and enjoyed her family and is survived by children: Jack Anthony (Tony) Thompson, daughter-in-law Cindy; Donna Kay Merritt, and son-in-law Scott. She is survived by the following grandchildren: Shanna Gregory; Brennan Merritt (Mariana); Brantley Merritt (Espi Romero); Kaylynn Cunningham (Rob); Mac Merritt; and Jamison Merritt (Kenzie); as well as great-grandchildren: Brady, Mary Chase, Finn, Reece, Korbin, Sonny, Champ and Lennon.
Barbara was born June 3, 1931 in Indianapolis, Indiana, but resided most of her life in Nashville, TN. She graduated from West High School in 1949; then received her Associates Degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1951. While there, she met the love of her life Jack Thompson and they were married on August 23, 1952. She loved being a homemaker, mother, and for many years did the bookkeeping for two of Jack’s businesses. They were married for 33 wonderful years before Jack’s death in 1985.
Barbara loved Jesus and was a long-time member of Two Rivers Baptist Church. It was there that she became a Christian and began actively volunteering. She loved helping organize the Prayer Room and personally participated in that ministry. Several years ago she fell in love with the fellowship at Grace Church of the Nazarene and was active there as long as she was physically able. She enjoyed Sunday School, their senior activities, and loved volunteering as a greeter before services. She will be fondly remembered for her great sense of humor and love for others.
In 1991 she began volunteering at Memorial Hospital and Skyline Medical Center. She faithfully served for 23 years. She also developed many long-lasting friendships at 50 Forward Donelson Station. She never wanted to miss an activity or field trip, but winning at Bingo might have been her favorite! There is no doubt that Barbara made friends wherever she went.
Pallbearers are Brennan Merritt, Brantley Merritt, Mac Merritt, Jamison Merritt, Brady Garrison, and Robert Cunningham. Honorary Pallbearers are The Care Class of Grace Church of the Nazarene.
