Betty Thompson, 95, Vero Beach
Betty Thompson, 95, died peacefully on Nov. 5, 2020, with her devoted family by her side. Betty was born on Aug. 13, 1925, in Martinsville, Ill., to Goldie Ellen Hardway and George Richard Turner.
She was raised by her eldest sibling Vernice and Billy Mearns in Delavan, Wisc. She had six siblings: Vernice, Bill, Patsy, Maxine, Ruth, and Ruby.
Betty was always a pioneer, accomplished academic and world traveler. She was raised on Lake Delavan, and spent her summers growing up working as a lifeguard. Delavan was always her special place. She attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1946 with a Political Science degree. Not only did she excel academically, but also was the drum major in the marching band, the school’s official “Badger Beauty,” and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Betty moved to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling career with Imagnum after graduation. She met her husband, Leslie Thompson at a horse sale in St. Louis. The subsequently moved to Sidney, Ohio where Betty went on to dedicate her life to education. The two purchased a veterinary practice that serviced both large and small animals. While raising four daughters, Betty also found time to get her master’s degree from University of Dayton in Education Administration. Betty was a teacher for many years before becoming the principal of Central Elementary School. Her devotion to education did not stop at her official duties as a teacher, as she was also one of the initial founders of the Head Start program that serviced underprivileged children in the community, in addition to frequently helping people learn to read and write English. She was also an active member of the community while serving on Sidney’s city council, the board of Wilson Memorial Hospital and as the head cheerleading coach. She was also an engaged member of the Sidney First United Methodist Church.
Betty was a strong woman who gave courage and conviction to all those she knew. As her strict, principled nature mellowed with age, her well known wit took center stage. Until the very end, she would make good hearted jokes about those around her. All those who knew her instantly charmed by her intelligence and humor.
She spent the last several years of her life in Vero Beach, where she had enjoyed fleeing the winters of the Midwest since the late 1990s. Betty served on numerous committees for charities in Indian River County. She enjoyed spending her time playing golf, tennis, and was an infamous bridge player, but above all she cherished the time spent with her family.
Betty is survived by her four daughters: Patricia (Charlie Dix), Jean (George Crossland), Gwen, and Libby (Bill King). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Leslie Locke; Travis, Nick, and Dallas Crossland; Bill, Turner, and Alex Ross. She also has one great-granddaughter, Dorthy Ross.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Howard Thompson, infant son, Harry Alexander (Hal) Thompson and her grandson, William Andrew (Drew) Crossland.
A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., November 13th, at First Presbyterian Church on Royal Palm Point in Vero Beach. The Reverend Dr. G. Timothy Womack will be officiating. We are aware not everyone is able or feels comfortable attending a larger gathering at this moment in time, therefore, a larger celebration of life event to honor Betty’s memory will take place at a later time.
Condolences may be sent to 5156, Saint Andrews Island Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
