Barbara Thompson

Barbara Anne Willis Thompson, 84, of Moultrie, died September 10, 2020, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Moultrie, GA surrounded by her family.  Although the end came quickly, she was able to express her love to her children, grandchildren, and siblings by cell phone while she talked, laughed, and blew kisses to those around her.   She was at peace about leaving her earthly home.  Mrs. Thompson was known as “Boova” to her family and grandchildren.

          Funeral service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2020 at First Baptist Church-Moultrie with the Rev. Matt Peek, Rev. Hugh Ward, and the Rev. Alfred Carver officiating.   Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery.  Social distancing guidelines will be followed, and masks are recommended.

          Casketbearers will be John Michael Neely, Willis Thompson, Brent Plunkett, Seth Dowdy, Joey Thompson, Jeff Sewell, Richard Carver and Reggie Carver.

          Born September 29, 1935, in her family home in Mitchell Co, GA, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Willis and Rubye Adelia Presley; she married Lester O. Thompson on March 25, 1955 at New Bethel Baptist Church in Colquitt Co, GA.  Mrs. Thompson was baptized as a young girl in 1946 in the creek near New Bethel Baptist Church, Colquitt County. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Moultrie, GA serving in many leadership and participant capacities during her 55-year membership, including Adult Choir, Teacher of Children's Choirs, Women’s Missionary Union, Library Committee, Faith Sunday School Class.  She was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and never hesitated to use that gift to bless others.  She and her husband, Lester, attended and supported their church faithfully their entire life together.  On their short honeymoon they even got up that Sunday morning and attended a local church.   She graduated from Moultrie High School in 1953 and from Valdosta College in 1955.  She was secretary/office manager for her husband's business, Lester Thompson Realty & Forestry until their retirement.  Her love of family and history sent her on a journey to learn more about her family who had lived in Colquitt Co as early as 1865.  When applying for her official birth certificate at age 50, she was surprised to find that her birth name was Julia Annett.  Story goes that after the doctor left, Aunt Pearl Presley wanted her name changed to Barbara Anne, and from then on, she was called Barbara Anne her entire life.  At the annual Presley reunion, she would prepare displays and share her research information with family members.  She was a member of the John Benning Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

          In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Adell and L.M. Thompson.

          Survivors include her husband, Lester O. Thompson of Moultrie; daughters, Regina Murray of Calhoun, GA, Paula Neely and husband John of Moultrie, GA; son, Michael Willis Thompson and wife Elizabeth of Alpharetta, GA; grandchildren, Jennifer Neely Dowdy and husband Seth of Brunswick, GA, Katherine Murray Plunkett and husband Brent of Calhoun, GA, John Michael Neely of Moultrie, Emily Thompson Olson and husband Jake of Fort Bragg, NC, Paige Thompson of Manayunk, PA, Willis Thompson of Midway, AL; great-grandchildren, Bayler Dayne Plunkett and Case Thompson Plunkett of Calhoun, GA; sister, Linna Carver and husband Herman of Perry, GA; brother-in-law, Harry Thompson and wife Gail of Moultrie; nieces and nephews, Alfred Carver and wife Teresa, Reggie Carver and wife Teresa, Richard Carver and wife Sadie, Joey Thompson and wife Karen, Darby T. Sewell and husband Jeff.

          In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Moultrie, 400 South Main Street, Moultrie, GA. 31768 and/or a charity of your choice.