Carol Dorsey Thompson

Carol Bell Dorsey Thompson was born in Albany, GA to William (Bill) and Pauline (Polly) Dorsey on October 19, 1943. Bill was deployed at the time serving in the navy in WWII, while Polly was busy raising Carol and her older sister, Linda. They would eventually add in Carol’s younger brother Harry to round out their family. Albany would be home for her entire childhood, one characterized by a deep connection to her family, extended family, friends, neighbors, and church. This early experience of family and community would center the values that would go on to guide Carol’s entire life.

Carol joined her sister, Linda, at Florida State University for two years, where she pledged Alpha Delti Pi sorority. She later transferred to study elementary education at her beloved University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where she fell in love with a young Robert Luther Thompson (aka Bob). They married during their senior year in 1966, and Carol returned to Albany to teach 5th grade for a year while Bob attended Officer Candidate School with the US Army. After a short stint at Fort Lee, Virginia, they shipped off to Bad Kreuznach, Germany where they would spend the next two years.

While in Bad Kreuznach in 1969, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Alicia, and Carol took on her treasured role as a mother. They returned to Georgia where Bob joined the corporate world after leaving the Army, until a new opportunity took Bob, Alicia and an 8-months-pregnant Carol to Plano, TX. Matthew (Matt) would be born shortly thereafter, in 1975. Neighbors welcomed the family, building relationships that would last the whole of Carol’s life. They also found a church family at the newly formed Christ United Methodist Church, where they remained active members to this day, participating in the same Sunday School class for over four decades.

Carol was a Mom first, supporting and encouraging her kids through all the activities, school, sports, etc. and being a constant, loving presence for Alicia and Matt. Following the model of her youth, she also invested fully in serving the community in which she was raising a family. She volunteered at the kids’ schools and became PTA president. She also joined the Junior League of Plano (now JL Collin County), going on to lead as its President. She was a member of the first class of Leadership Plano, and served the community in many roles such as the Civic Center/Plano Centre Advisory Board and Indigent Healthcare Task Force.

Carol made time in the midst of it all to connect with friends through book club, bridge groups, and neighborhood gatherings. Carol’s love language was cooking, everyone was welcome at the table, and guests were always left wanting more of her company AND her food. Through these experiences, Carol built many relationships. In all the communities she was part of, she was known for her constant generosity, kindness, and care for others. She was authentic in her convictions and to her faith, providing a model for all those who were lucky to call her friend. Nowhere did her love shine brighter than in her role as Nana to her six grandchildren. She prioritized every birthday, holiday, event, and school function. Nana’s love was bottomless, her relationship with each grandchild was unique, and she was always planning how to maximize the fun in their time together.

Her journey on this earth is done, and we have no doubt her abiding faith provides the assurance of her eternal home in God’s presence. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob) Thompson of Plano, TX; daughter Alicia (Brad) Wanek of Plano, TX; son Matt (Stacey) Thompson of Austin, TX; brother Harry (Jan) Dorsey of Albany, GA; grandchildren Kate, Erin, Colin & Sarah Wanek and Slaid & Stella Thompson; and her dear nieces Shannon, Ashley, Natalie, Crystal & Lacy. She was predeceased in death by her parents William and Pauline Dorsey; her sister Linda Pendleton; and her nephew Kyle Pendleton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Junior League of Collin County, Christ United Methodist Church, or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Here is the link for the live stream for the memorial: https://vimeo.com/event/3368362/12fd3fcb07.