A celebration of life for Irene Elizabeth “Betsy” Bayless Thompson, age 93, of Fayetteville, will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Ann Hatcher and Rev. Will Wells officiating. She was born December 1, 1923 to the late Albert Berry Bayless, Jr. and Irene Elizabeth Kinzel Bayless.
Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, a founding member of the Sew-n-Sews church group, the American Needlepoint Society, and the Eastern Star. She formerly served as a Lincoln County Girl Scout Leader and cookie chairman, was nursing supervisor with Lincoln Medical Center, and stayed very active in the community.
Survivors include her children Cathy (Kenneth) Lamar, Connie Walker, and Cynthia (Ross) Scrofani; grandchildren Robert (Emily) Walker, Kati Walker, and Chelsea Ledford; step-grandchildren Rachel Chavez, Jessica (John) Moser, Rebecca Lamar, and Amanda (Wesley) Farmer; great-granddaughter, Corinne Elise Walker; step-great-grandchildren Kenneth Beaver, Blaine Farmer, Katherine Farmer, Luke Farmer, and Jackson Moser; sister, Mary Helen Cummings; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Thompson; daughter, Carolyn Anne Thompson; and a brother, Albert Berry Bayless, III.
Visitation with the family will be 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Irene Elizabeth “Betsy” Bayless Thompson.
14 Comments To "Irene Elizabeth Bayless Thompson"
#1 Comment By Joyce Kelso Johnson On April 3, 2017 @ 9:31 pm
I have so many fond memories of Betsy & Bob. They stored all the girl scout cookies at her house, they would stop what ever they were doing to help load up your car again with cookies. We also worked at church together. Bill and I thought so much of their family. Bob sang in the choir and we knew if he was not there we knew someone was sick. I had Carolyn in the first Sunday School class I had. Love to your family.
#2 Comment By Freda Kinser Blair On April 3, 2017 @ 10:00 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. I will always remember my early days at the hospital and having her as a supervisor. She was so sweet to the students. May your wonderful memories sustain you in the days to come. Blessings and Love to each of you. The KINSER family.
#3 Comment By Toni Walker On April 4, 2017 @ 8:36 am
What a wonderful lady. I loved conversations with Betsy. She was wise, tender, and open. A beautiful Christian woman who handled life with grace. She finished well !
#4 Comment By Pam & Robert Chandler On April 4, 2017 @ 9:30 am
Heartfelt condolences to you and yours, at the loss of your beloved mother, Connie. Loss is a part of the life cycle, but it is never easy. There doesn’t seem to be a definitive roadmap for the navigating the journey, but good memories, a loving family and wonderful friends are the forces that propel one forward. Cherish the wonderful memories. We love you.
#5 Comment By Marilyn Robinette On April 4, 2017 @ 11:17 am
Connie, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. You must have gotten your kindness and sweetness from your precious mom. Love you!
#6 Comment By Lou Thompson On April 4, 2017 @ 1:39 pm
The first time I met Bobby and Betsy was in October of 1986 when Virgil Thompson was in his final days of going home to be with the Lord. Betsy stayed up all night and held his hand until he gained his wings. The love she had for him will always stay in my heart. The BBQ pulled pork she always brought to the Thompson reunion was the best. Everyone lined up to get their portion with a watering tongue. The day of Lynnville and Mary’s wedding when they drove upon the mountain in Gatlinburg to watch us decorate the entrance to the condo where they were spending their honeymoon was a funday. Bobby and Betsy got the biggest laugh watching laugh watching the newlyweds take all the toilet paper off that was wrapped around the entrance to the condo. They were an amazing couple that showed their love and concerns for everyone . Their memories will always stay in my heart. I loved dearly. Love and Prayers for their sweet family.
#7 Comment By Tammy & Bob Stewart On April 4, 2017 @ 1:40 pm
She sounds like a very special woman. May she Rest In Peace and each of her family and friends remembers the special times they had with her.
#8 Comment By Toni Locke On April 4, 2017 @ 2:18 pm
My most vivid memory of your mom is of her standing near my daughter Sheila in fellowship hall on Sunday morning, March 11, 1990, when she diagnosed a month-early labor due to Sheila’s back pain. James Christian made his appearance that afternoon at old Lincoln Regional Hospital. Your mom was a very active, caring, loving person–truly a genuine nurse to her very sinew. May God give you peace.
#9 Comment By Bill and Donna Daniel Jackson On April 4, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
We have many fond memories of Miss Betsy and the entire family…Prayers to all..She was a special lady!
#10 Comment By Janie Cummings On April 4, 2017 @ 5:41 pm
Even though I’m not a “blood” relative, aunt Betsy always made me feel like one. I loved her and uncle Bobby like they were my aunt and uncle instead of Bob’s. She will be greatly missed.
#11 Comment By Stacey counts On April 4, 2017 @ 6:25 pm
So sry Cathy we love u an if u need anything please let me know
#12 Comment By Beth O’Shea On April 8, 2017 @ 3:11 am
So many happy memories of shared times are wrapped with the Scrofanis and Miss Betsy. She will be watching over us to be sure we stay busy and have fun. Much love.
#13 Comment By Daniel On April 8, 2017 @ 12:16 pm
I am so sorry to read of Ms. Thompson’s passing. I extend my condolences to the entire family. Psalm 34:18 says: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. May you be comforted by his words during your time of bereavement.
#14 Comment By Pam Kirthlink On April 11, 2017 @ 12:52 pm
Thinking of the family at this time.
OES