Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 13, 2022

Barbara Hughes Thompson

January 30, 1932 - October 13, 2022

Charlotte, North Carolina - Barbara Hughes Thompson passed away October 13, 2022 at the age of 90. Barbara was born Barbara Ann Hughes on January 30, 1932 in Frederick, MD to Ruth Blevins Hughes and Edward Louis Hughes.

Barbara was raised in Charles Town, West Virginia where she attended Charles Town High School. She was voted homecoming queen during her senior year in 1949, and was also crowned Miss Jefferson County, West Virginia that following summer. After high school, Barbara attended Shepherd College in Shepherd’s Town, West Virginia for two years, where she was again voted homecoming queen and was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority.

While at Shepherd College, Barbara met her husband, Joe “Chick” Thompson. They were married in 1952 and soon moved to Philadelphia where Chick studied graphic art at The Philadelphia College of Art. After Chick’s graduation, they lived in San Antonio for several years before settling in Charlotte.

Barbara began teaching preschool at Myers Park United Methodist Church in 1966, a career that would span 38 years. Her energy, wit and loving spirit made an indelible mark on every child she taught. When Barbara retired in 2004 at 72, she was featured on the front page of the Charlotte Observer and a preschool room was named in her honor.

Dedicated to family, Barbara cherished her final years living with her daughter, Layne, and her two granddaughters, Ellie and CeCe. “Baba” was always an encouraging and compassionate presence in their lives. To be happy in old age, she would often say, one needs two things: someone to love and to feel needed. She had an abundance of both. Baba will be remembered for her love of chocolate, romance novels, and sitting on the front porch feeding “her” squirrel whom she named Peanut.

Barbara is survived by daughter Layne Garner of Charlotte, son Stuart Thompson and wife Diane of Charlotte, granddaughters Ellie Garner of Garner, NC and CeCe Garner of Charlotte, as well as Baba's beloved dog, Ziggy.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, November 5, 2022 in Jubilee Hall at Myers Park United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Barbara Hughes Thompson to Crittenton of North Carolina at https://crittentonofnc.org/giving-opportunities/, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.