Alma Bullard Thompson

1926 - 2026

Alma Bullard Thompson

Aug 7, 1926 - Jan 17, 2026

Her earthly exit was peaceful at 10pm, hours earlier surrounded by family + caring staff of Arbor Acres Strickland Place.

Alma's life was the greatest gift; her death was the greatest victory! Ecclesiastes 7:1 ~ "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth."

As her children, we can testify that her death is now her victorious beginning in her eternal home, present with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ~ "When the perishable puts on the imperishable... then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory'".

Alma's entire life was a love letter written to so many over her long, active and vibrant life spanning 99 years. Even during her later years of limited physical mobility, her mind was active and engaged with others which was a notable characteristic of hers. Siblings predeceasing her were, Alice Donaldson (Henry) ten years her elder, James (Irene) six years older, younger brothers, Billy and Tommy Bullard; also predeceased by her husband, Thomas Wilson Thompson, (Tommy); and sister-in-law, Mary Irvin Thompson Reavis.

Born and spending her childhood in Fort Bragg, N.C. with her father, George William Bullard, a U.S. Army officer, and her mother, Florence Diana Martin, she was raised with four siblings in a pleasant community army post home. The family would later relocate to Asheboro, N.C. where she lived until completion of early graduation in the 11th grade from Asheboro High School. Alma enrolled in Women's College (UNC-Greensboro), but college study was interrupted by World War II, as well as the need to work to support herself and cover her education. So, in 1944 she moved to Arlington, Va., where she lived with sister, Alice and husband, Henry, working at the National Headquarters of American Red Cross in Washington, DC, while taking night classes at George Washington University. Mom later returned to Women's College, attending summer school at both WC and UNC-Chapel Hill; serving as President of Student Government at WC, and elected to the May Court. But it was summer session at UNC-CH, where she met the love of her life, Tommy, who later married in 1948, and moved to Winston-Salem (Tommy's hometown), where he became employed after college graduation from UNC-CH. Mom also worked to help pay off student loan indebtedness beginning her work with Salem Steel Company, later as a social worker with the Forsyth County Welfare Department and American Red Cross. Alma's life blossomed through raising her two children, Mark and Molly; and German Shepherd dogs, Blitz and Maxi.

Her faith community and involvement at Centenary Methodist Church (now United) was extensive. Community service spanning many decades involved Children's Theatre Board, Arts Council of W-S, Reynolda House, and Winston-Salem Junior League. She took an active role in UNC-G Alumni Affairs serving on the Alumni Board of Trustees. Other personal interests included a love of tennis at Old Town Country Club, and spending several decades drawn to women's fashion that led into modeling premier ladies clothing for the Buena Vista Shop, Montaldo's, Sosniks, and Thalhimers Dept Store. Several notable modeling events were benefits that Bob Hope and Oleg Cassini headlined. Mom also found purpose and joy in directing many weddings and related special events through her modeling and church relationships. Another broadening, purposeful period in her life was her and Tommy's long time involvement with the Winston-Salem Friendship Force as a part of Friendship Force International that opened new horizons and deep friendships all over the world, including Wales, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Israel, China, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Egypt, New Zealand, Austria, Turkey, Bolivia, Greece, and all over the United States. Three trips to Israel "The Holy Land", were her very favorite journeys, her second trip with Molly in 1990.

Alma placed great value on faithful stewardship to her decades long church of 70+ years, Centenary Methodist here in downtown Winston-Salem. She enjoyed hosting visiting missionaries in her home and being involved with missionary programs at Centenary through the years when her children were young. She and Tommy enjoyed and grew spiritually from many years of attendance in the Clay Class; later in life she was honored to co-teach senior couples and widowed adults in The Mark Bible Class. As often as possible, attending Ladies' Retreats always stimulated deeper commitment in her relationship with her Lord. Centenary's Respite Care Program of wonderful engaging activities for an intimate community of adults with dementia was a central focus of her involvement when Tommy began his journey with dementia where Alma became his sole caregiver.

One of mom's greatest gifts to her family and friends was a product of her Writer's Workshop at Centenary where she compiled and wrote her life memoirs and story. It was a labor of love that she and Molly together designed and printed for 35+ family members and close friends.

Surviving her wonder-filled legacy are her son from Winston-Salem, Mark Irvin Thompson, (Kathryn); daughter from Lexington, N.C., Molly Thompson Williams Barrow, (Ralph). Also surviving are children of Mark and Kathryn, oldest son John Mark Thompson (Audrey), Thomas Wells Thompson (Daphne), and Mary Kathryn Thompson. Alma's fourth grandchild is Molly and Ralph's son, Christian Thompson-Barrow Williams (Josie). Alma also leaves behind her seven precious "Thompson" great-grandchildren, Everette and Anna Kate / Andrews and Emma / Declan, Kylan, and Soul. Enduring to honor Alma are her two treasured nephews, Scott Wilson Reavis (Judith), and Lee Thompson Reavis, both of Yadkinville, NC.

Arbor Acres was Mom's loving home for the last six years of her life, initially at Asbury Place Assisted Living before moving to Strickland Place Skilled Nursing. The caring and incredible staff at Arbor Acres gave Mom gifts upon gifts and expressions of love that are immeasurable. We endearingly carry her "angels" in our hearts continually and like calling them Alma's immediate family, and our extended family. She has now completed all preparations and has "graduated" from Arbor Acres "Finishing School" with the commendation of having been a "good and faithful servant/student."

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts honoring the dedicated and caring staff be directed to the Arbor Acres "Employee Emergency Assistance Fund" as most special to Mom, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Sunday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m. in Piner Hall on the Arbor Acres campus at 1240 Arbor Road, Winston-Salem, NC, 27104. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

120 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101