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Sara Thompson Obituary
October 12, 1921 - July 26, 2022
Lexington, Kentucky - Sara Bell Thompson, beloved wife of the late Dr. Kearns Reid Thompson, Jr., passed away on July 26, 2022, at her home at the age of 100.
Sara was born on October 12, 1921, in Dillon, SC to Gustavous Holmes Bell and Addie Elizabeth Hamilton. Sara graduated from Saint Mary's College and Duke University, where she was a member of the Duke Chapel Choir. While working at Duke, Sara met Kearns, an orthopedic surgeon. They married in 1944 in the Duke Chapel and moved to Lexington, KY, where she resided for 70 years.
Sara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. She dedicated her life to her family and to helping others. She was a long-time member of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, and she volunteered with the Junior League of Lexington, Meals on Wheels, the Bluegrass Charity Foundation, and other charitable organizations. Sara was an avid golfer and tennis player, but she especially enjoyed working in her beautiful garden and teaching her family members how to make her infamous Kentucky Bourbon Balls. Sara was a fanatical college basketball fan, an accomplished Jitterbug dancer and a regular at the Kentucky Theatre where she enjoyed movie nights with her girlfriends â€" but above all, she was the matriarch of the Thompson family, where she was affectionately known as Mommy Sara.
In addition to her husband and parents, Sara was preceded in death by her brother Gustavous Holmes Bell, Jr. She is survived by her son, Kearns Reid Thompson III, and three daughters â€" Sara Helfrich of Nashville, TN, Caroline Burns of Charleston, SC, and Katherine Murray of Nashville, TN â€" along with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Sara's family will hold a celebration of her life in the near future. Special thanks and appreciation are given to her wonderful caregivers, Debbie, Jessica, Tonya, Judy, and Rena. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and Hospice of the Bluegrass.
www.milwardfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
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Mindy Friesen
August 7, 2022
Sara was also a wonderful Godmother. A blessing in my life. My thoughts and prayers for Kathy, Caroline, Reid, Sara and your families.
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