Nancy Compton Stone Thompson passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024, in Rome, Georgia as her beloved daughter Margaret held her hand. Nancy struggled for many years with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other illnesses, but her joyous outlook on life never let them slow her down.
Nancy was born on June 12th, 1948, in Tallahassee, Florida to Mode Lee Stone, Sr. and Jeanne Compton Stone. She was the baby of the family and spent her childhood years with sister Mary Lois and brother Lee attending First Baptist Church and Florida High. Nancy’s family life revolved around education and played out largely on the FSU campus where her parents taught and served the students. Her father was a Professor and Dean of the School of Education and the Education building on FSU campus is named for her father- the Stone Building. Nancy followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming a teacher after receiving a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from FSU, followed by a master’s degree. She was a devoted member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and became a 50-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization for female teachers.
After graduating she began teaching in Fort Walton, Florida and met a handsome military officer, William Thompson. They married in 1972 and settled in Tallahassee. In 1974, they were blessed with their daughter, Margaret Ellen. The three of them moved briefly to Killeen, Texas where Nancy taught, but returned home to Florida to be closer to Nancy’s family.
Nancy found her calling as a kindergarten teacher and was passionate about the importance of early education. Her uplifting, positive personality allowed her to connect with children on their level, and her high energy gave her the stamina to care for and teach little ones for over 35 years. She taught at several elementary schools in Tallahassee before landing at Crawfordville Elementary for the majority of her teaching career. She treasured running into former students who would often recognize and thank her for her dedication. She reunited with one of her kindergarten boys at an FSU football event and remained proud of him as he played for FSU and ultimately made it to the NFL. Nancy’s dedication to teaching extended to several Baptist churches where she taught Sunday school and Bible study groups.
After retiring from teaching, Nancy and Bill focused their attention on their granddaughters. They moved to Rome, Georgia in 2011 settling into the community, and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022. Nancy was instrumental in her granddaughters’ early years, taking care of them while Margaret was a busy physician, often on call for Harbin Clinic and at the hospital. The girls called her “Nana,” and spent many wonderful hours reading and playing and cooking. They were by far her favorite “students.” Over the last few years, the girls would read to her whenever they could and spend time playing checkers, her favorite game. Nancy’s heart belonged to her girls.
Nancy was known for her consummate kindness and her ever-present smile. She did not know a stranger, always welcoming and knew how to easily make one feel comfortable. She loved celebrating birthdays and having parties, was a very good cook, loved swimming, the ocean and never wanted to “miss anything”. She was an avid FSU football fan, loved music and supported her family wholeheartedly.
Nancy is preceded in death by her husband William Thompson, her brother Lee Stone, and her parents Mode and Jeanne Stone. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Thompson Marion, her son-in-law Jason Marion, her granddaughters Blythe and Archer Marion and her sister, Mary Lois Mayfield of Tallahassee, her brother-in-law Cecil Thompson, sister-in-law Kathleen Holland, both of Belton, Texas. She leaves countless friends, family members, co-teachers and caretakers, all of whom she adored.
One of her passions in life was for students to get their education. Nancy supported the Southern Scholarship Foundation of which her father was the principal developer. The family would very much appreciate that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Southern Scholarship Foundation https://southernscholarship.org in her honor. Your donation will continue Nancy’s legacy of supporting students.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Monday, May 13, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Rome with Pastor David Brooks and Rev. Tamara Smathers officiating. Interment will follow in East View Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1pm until service time on Monday at First Baptist Church of Rome.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Nancy Compton Stone Thompson.
