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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in our own needs and desires. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a different standard – one marked by selflessness, compassion, and an enduring willingness to serve others. We’re called to cultivate a servant’s heart.

Judy Thompson lived a life characterized by service.

Thompson, a retired Elizabethton educator, died December 30. She was an achiever, graduating from Happy Valley High School and Milligan College. At Happy Valley High, she was honored to go to Girls State and received the DAR Award.

She began her teaching career in Jacksonville, Fla., but returned to Elizabethton to start the first elementary physical education program at Harold McCormick School. She had the first demonstration school in physical education in 1989 and helped to write the curriculum in the subject for K-12 grades in the state.

In 1971 she moved to T.A. Dugger Junior High, where she taught health and physical education.

Thompson retired the first time in 2001, but she didn’t stay retired long. She became the Newspaper in Education Director for the Elizabethton STAR for the next few years, which enabled her to continue her association with the schools and their students. At the same time she served as a substitute teacher in the Elizabethton City School System, a position she held until this past November. 

We became acquainted with Thompson when she worked as our Newspaper in Education Director. She was a bundle of energy and sought to learn all she could about the newspaper during her role as Newspaper in Education Director. During that time she became well known at the STAR as she made it a point to find out how the newspaper worked and its role in the community as well as the work of its employees. Our former receptionist described Judy as a “hoot.”

She was not only a teacher, but a “student” all her life. Thompson enjoyed learning new things and sharing them with others. She enjoyed her work, but above all she loved her students and strived to be not just their teacher, but their friend. She formed lifelong friendships with many of her students.

Thompson was a faithful church member and had attended Calvary Baptist Church all of her life. She loved her church and had a ministry of sharing cards and meals. Her son, Chad, noted that she made many pies and cakes. “That was her joy and not a week went by that she didn’t make a pie or cake to give to someone, who perhaps was sick or hurting in some form or fashion. Sometimes, it was just to encourage someone,” he said. 

Judy also enjoyed sending cards. “She sent cards every week. It was just her way of caring,” Chad shared.

“She also made a lot of visits and phone calls,” Chad shared.

Thompson had a very “outgoing” personality and enjoyed being around people. Chad noted his mother was never still. “She had to be doing something all the time. That’s why she became a substitute teacher,” he reasoned.

She was married to Haymond “Doc” Thompson, who preceded her in death. “She and Doc did some traveling. They especially enjoyed going on cruises,” said Chad.

Chad noted that Judy was a very good mother and a good grandmother to her grandchildren. “Her nephews and nieces were special to her, and there were other special people in her life, who she thought of as adopted sons and daughters,” said Chad. “She loved people and she showed it by the little things that she did for them.”

A former student, Cheryl Banks, in a tribute to Thompson wrote: “How wonderfully blessed the school system (schools within and students throughout) had with such a faith-filled woman of God who believed in possibilities for those under her care.” 

Judy Thompson was laid to rest Jan. 3 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. But her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of former students and friends.

The definition of greatness according to Jesus is not how many people serve you, but how many people you serve. Judy Thompson was a servant, who rarely missed a day that she didn’t reach out to someone. It may have been a kind word, a card, a pie or cake or even a meal…but for sure, “servant“ was her greatest calling.