Jean Marie Kerns Thompson

Jean Thompson Obituary

Jean Marie Kerns Thompson, 58, of Salem, Va., passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009. She was born on June 20, 1951, in New York, daughter of David and Mabel Foster Luther. Mrs. Thompson worked at the VA Medical Center, Renal Unit as a dialysis tech and was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran. She was a member of Salem Moose Lodge and was an official for the National Hot Rod Association. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband, Barry Thompson; son, Jeff Kerns; daughters, Sherri Luther and Dawn Marie Kerns; stepdaughter, Paula Martin and husband, James; sister, Diane Dedicke; grandchildren, Corey Luther, Dawson Palmer, Sydney Palmer, Kaitlin Marie Kerns, Dustin Thompson and Dylan Martin; and good friends, Gail Langabeer and Robin Kerns. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009, at the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son, Salem with the Rev. Jesse Bass officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 20, 2009, from 3 to 6 p.m. at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. The family would like to thank Dr. Martin and everyone at the VA Medical Center for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Thompson's name to the American Cancer Society or the Volunteer Services Fund at VA Medical Center.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Sep. 18 to Sep. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Thompson

10 Entries

sophya jean Marie smith

March 2, 2023

i wish i could meet my great grandma my mom dawn kerns has told me so much about her It's sad i never got to see her but she is in a better place now amen. and i can tell she was so kind

Charmaine Carmack

October 9, 2009

Jean had to be the most generous person we've ever known. She gave to everyone not only the tangible items but of herself. She was always there for her friends.

I don't know who is going to patch Curtis' red jacket & the knees of his jeans as they fray. She loved to sew and cook and shared so freely.

She is a memorable character in our lives and we will miss her terribly. We'll meet again one day. May this bring comfort to the family that she is not suffering now and there will be a reunion.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you to find peace very soon.

Curtis & Charmaine Carmack

Tabitha Wilson, LPN

September 22, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jean.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Mike and Pam Coloton

September 21, 2009

To a wonderful friend and sister. You were loved and adored by us all because you touched all our lives in such a special way. You will be sorely missed and always remembered because your legacy lives on through your beautiful children and grandchildren.

Shelley Ivey

September 21, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this diffcult time,she will be missed. (VAMC Coworker)

Mindy Lewis

September 20, 2009

Barry and family ~ I'm so sorry for your loss. Jean always had a ready smile and she will be missed at the V. A., that's for sure.

How she loved her grandbabies! If you passed her in the hall, she'd pull you to the side and whip out the latest baby pictures.

Godspeed Jean. And peace to those you've left behind.

Vicki Keneda

September 18, 2009

I've know Jean for many years while working here at the VA. She was so sweet and I will truly miss her. God Bless her and the family. I am so heart broken for you all.

Kay Day

September 18, 2009

I worked at the VA with Jean for many years.
She was a gracious lady and will be missed.
May she rest in peace

Becky Brown

September 18, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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