Lynn Thompson

Born as “Mary Caroline” Pettit in Brooklyn, New York, Lynn spent her first eleven years in St. Petersburg, FL, where her parents founded and were directors of the Cilley Foundational School, later known as St. Petersburg Preparatory School. When the Great Depression caused the school’s closing, the Pettit family returned to Brooklyn, NY.

Lynn graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn and then worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company while saving for higher education. She attended the National Bible Institute in New York where she met Russell Thompson who became her beloved husband of sixty years.

Lynn was a lively, intelligent woman who brought energy to every aspect of her life. She supported her husband’s 45-year tenure as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Toms River, NJ, while raising four children, teaching piano lessons, directing multiple church choirs and leading a weekly woman’s Bible study class for many years. She frequently blessed others with her beautiful singing voice and talent at the piano and organ. She pursued her college degree in Music Education and became certified as a music teacher in public schools. After retirement as an elementary school music teacher, she served as Administrator of the Ambassador Christian Academy of Toms River, NJ.

As her children were growing, it was not uncommon for Lynn to sew matching outfits for herself and four children for holidays or special occasions. She influenced all her children to love music, appreciate education and to enjoy games, sports and gatherings with family and friends. Most of all, Lynn and Russell were committed to loving God and showing others the beauty of Jesus. They passed this on to their children and succeeding generations.

Upon her husband’s death in 2004, Lynn made her home with her daughter, Phyllis, in Pompano Beach, FL. She continued a vibrant life in Pompano, enjoying new friends and neighbors, and worshipping and fellowshipping with others at the First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach. In her final days, she continued to live, and be cared for, at home. It was a sweet blessing to hear her sing many familiar hymns with her family and care-givers that she had sung all of her life. When she became too weak to sing, she continued to mouth every word while others sang to her.

Lynn leaves behind a rich legacy of family including Phyllis Withrow (Michael) of Pompano Beach, FL; Elizabeth Clerico (Donald) of Summerville, SC; Frances Corby (John) of Colorado Springs, CO; and Russell W. Thompson Jr. (Laurie) of West Orange, NJ. Lynn had nine grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Russell; her parents George Pettit and Lucia Cilley Pettit; her brother George Pettit; and her sister Helen Frances Pettit.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11 AM, Saturday, January 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Pompano Beach, Florida. Arrangements were entrusted to Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. Please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries to share a favorite memory or leave a message for the family.