Vivian Thompson Lashbrook

On August 20, Vivian Thompson Lashbrook, passed away in her home at the age of 97.

Vivian Isham was born in Mackville, Kentucky on July 30, 1924. She was raised on a

tobacco farm with her favorite mule, (?). She received her Bachelor’s degree at the

University of Louisville during a time when few women were able to attend college.

William Paul Thompson left high school to serve in the Navy and returned to attend

classes to complete his high school degree, ironically taught by Vivian. They married in

1947 and moved to Beech Grove. She started her career teaching kindergarten in a

small classroom building in the back yard of their house on fourth street. She continued

her education by attending evening classes at Butler University, where she obtained her

Master’s Degree in Education. During this time, she was able to raise three children,

Tom. Mark and Dana. Education became her passion, second only to her role as a

mother and devoted wife. She would eventually become a guidance counselor at Beech

Grove Middle School. In 1968, her husband would lose his battle with brain cancer and

succumb to the illness. She would later marry Mervin Lashbrook, who lost his wife to

cancer as well. Their marriage would last until his death in 2007.

Vivian would eventually retire from teaching and reside in the house that she and

Mervin built on thirteenth street. She became an avid walker, it was not unusual to see

her on the streets of the Grove during her five mile walks, six days a week. She was a

prolific reader, as many as five or six books a week. Crossword puzzles were done daily

and always in ink instead of pencil. She was a career student as she obtained another

degree, this time as an Advanced Master Gardener. Over time, illness would take a toll,

but she was surrounded by a circle of neighbors, friends, and her children, who lovingly

cared for her to the end.

She leaves three children, Tommy, Mark, and Dana, ten grandchildren, and great

grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Little and Sons Beech Grove Chapel on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 11:00am-1:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be immediately following at 1:00pm. Entombment will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery and will be attended privately by Vivian's family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to Beech Grove High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 731, Beech Grove, IN 46107.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com for the Thompson Lashbrook family.

www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com