Kathleen A. Thompson

Kathleen A. Thompson, 85, of Columbia, SC, passed away on January 11, 2024. Born and raised in Dillon, SC, she was the daughter of William J. Adams, Jr. and Kathleen Beckham Adams. She attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia where she earned in B. A. in Education and also earned her Master of Arts degrees in English and Library and Information Science.

She had a distinguished career as an educator, teaching at Brookland Cayce High School, Hammond Academy and Irmo Middle School. She was well-respected by her peers and loved by hundreds of students who have credited her for helping them succeed in life. During her time at Hammond, she coached women’s basketball and served as advisor for the yearbook, school newspaper, literary magazine, drama club and the popular Bach to Beatles Music Club which fostered appreciation for a variety of musical genres.

She was member of Trinity Cathedral for more than 60 years, having married her husband Robert E. Thompson there in 1962. She was a member of the choir, Daughters of the Holy Cross, a Sunday school teacher and Trinity Bazaar volunteer.

In 2005, she and Rob retired to Wyboo Plantation in Manning, SC, where they enjoyed playing golf and entertaining family and friends. They attended St. Matthias Church in Summerton. In 2021, they returned to Columbia and became members of the Merrill Gardens community.

She is survived by her loving husband; two daughters Karen Thompson Ingram (Billy) of Columbia, SC and Heather Thompson Hester (Tony) of Johnson City, TN; five grandchildren James Cleatus Owens, III, William Thompson Owens, Robert Jackson Hester, Perry Kathleen H. Chumbley (Christian) and Joanna Elizabeth Hester; and nieces and nephew Harriett A. Stinson, Ji Hae Adams and William J. Adams IV all of Spartanburg. She was predeceased by her brother William J. Adams, III.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, January 27 at 10:30 am at Keenan Chapel at Trinity, with the Rev. Jimmy Hartley officiating. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 am in the Stirling Room.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Foundation (1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201), Camp St. Christopher (2810 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island, SC 29455) or to an animal charity of your choosing.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.