Lucye A Thompson

Lucye Ann Tarkington Thompson, 93, passed away from natural causes in her home January 8, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and teacher. Lucye was born August 8, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Terry W. Tarkington Sr. and Virginia Eason Tarkington of Chattanooga. Lucye was married to the late Eugene Thompson of Cleveland, TN, for 57 years. She is survived by her two children, Lucy Elaine Thompson Steinle (Alan) and Eugene Wesley Thompson (Ruby). 

She was a graduate of Chattanooga High School and received a BS Degree from the University of Chattanooga in 1953. She taught in Hamilton County and Chattanooga Schools for several years.

Lucye was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN, where she taught 5th and 6th Grade Sunday School for over 54 years. She planned interesting Bible lessons that were engaging and led children to an understanding of Jesus, our Savior.

Lucye was a lifelong learner. Her interests included reading, Bible study, birdwatching, wildflower gardening, cooking, sewing, traveling, antiquing, and genealogy. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed sharing the things she learned with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lucye’s kindness was a reflection of her relationship with Jesus Christ. She set an example that serving the Lord is the best life one can have.

She was preceded in death by her aforementioned parents and husband in addition to her brother, Terry Wesley Tarkington, JR. of Florence, AL. and sister Virginia Miller of McDonald, TN.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Mendenhall (Josh), Jenna Alaine Ospina (Cristhian), Travis Wesley Thompson (Sophie), Kalan Dean Steinle (Lana), and Hollan Victoria Stiles (Blake). Great grandchildren include Jeremiah Wesley Thompson, Lakan Dean Steinle, Chloe Faye Thompson, Kolter Bryan Steinle, Landry Gene Steinle, Bendt Eldin Stiles, Malaya Ann Thompson, Wesley Monroe Stiles, Lily Beth Thompson, Johan Cris Ospina, Avenlee Ruth Stiles (February 2025), and Thompson TBA April 2025.

She is also survived by seven nieces, two nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews.

The family asks that memorials be given to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Sign Fund.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Al Miller, Jr. and Brother Joe Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:30 until service time on Tuesday at the church.