Betty Kathryn Thompson

School Teacher, Homemaker, Navy Wife

Betty Kathryn Sumey Thompson, 94, passed away at home on May 6, 2016. She resided in Arlington, VA from 1945 until 2003, then retired to Falcons Landing military retirement community, Potomac Falls, VA. Born in Uniontown, PA on June 16, 1921, she graduated from Uniontown High School where she enjoyed leading roles in operettas and plays. She attended Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, majoring in music and was a member of the college touring choir. There she met her future husband, and in April 1942 married Ensign Julian B. “Duke” Thompson, a Navy carrier pilot during World War II, and accompanied him when possible throughout his Naval career. Her love of singing continued as a loyal choir member and frequent soloist for the Arlington Christ Methodist Church. Mrs. Thompson taught Kindergarten at Saint Andrews Episcopal Day School for 17 years. She was a mother and homemaker, known for her remarkable talent for sewing. She and her husband enjoyed worldwide travel.

She is now with her beloved husband of 72 years, Captain Duke Thompson, whom she had lost in 2014. She leaves behind her son, J. Michael Thompson (Carolyn) of Silver Spring, MD, and daughter, Betsy T. Brady (Wayne) of Lake Monticello, VA, five grandchildren, Jeff Thompson (Becky) of Winston-Salem, NC, Courtney Lust (Jonathan) of Brookeville, MD, Kelley Winckler (Shep) of Olney, MD, Rob Buswell (Sarah) of Sterling, VA and Lee Lowery (Mike) of Arlington, VA. Also ten great grands – Julian, Jessica, Emily, Christian, Jaxon, Grayson, Amelia, Jill, Patrick and Tommy. Betty’s brother, Merrill Sumey, lives in Sykesville, MD; her sister, Doris J. Show of Uniontown, PA passed away in 2000.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to The Betty & Julian “Duke” Thompson Scholarship Fund, Catawba College, 2300 W. Innes St., Salisbury NC 28144.

A celebration of Betty’s life will take place at Falcons Landing at a later date, followed by burial at Arlington National Cemetery on August 17, 2016 at 11:00am.

Arrangements under the direction of Murphy Falls Church Funeral Home, Falls Church, Virginia.