Patricia Ann Thompson

Patricia Ann Autry Thompson, 82, of Decatur, peacefully passed away surrounded by and enfolded in the abiding love of family on December 18, 2021. Patricia (Pat) was born September 16, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Grady Wesley Autry and Inah Belle Dorsey Autry. She was the wife of the late Joseph Locke Thompson, who preceded her in death on June 2, 2020. Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Kelly Ann Thompson, of Decatur and an army of fiercely loving family and friends who will miss her terribly.

Pat was an Atlanta native who grew up on Ashley Avenue. As a child, she survived a stampede after a false alarm of “FIRE!” at the Fox Theatre, enjoyed dance lessons in multiple disciplines, and was also featured giving a valentine to a friend on the cover of The Atlanta Journal Magazine on February 10, 1946. Her father’s railroad career moved the family to North Carolina when she was in junior high school.

Pat was in the Lee Edwards High School graduating class of 1957 in Asheville, NC. She was Student Council President, Glee Club President, and Assistant Head Cheerleader. She was also involved in several social clubs. It is not at all surprising that she took matters into her own hands when she learned that Joe was being tricked into a private date with an admirer under the guise of a party invitation. Pat, who had a secret crush on him, wanted to learn his understanding of the upcoming plans. She had the confidence to ask him – this new cool kid army brat in the bomber jacket – what he was doing on Saturday night, to which he suavely responded, “Dating you.” That moment led to a 60 year marriage, one for the books.

Pat continued her education at Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and earned her Associate Degree in Business, during which time she became a graceful, athletic synchronized swimmer. She began her career at the Sears, Roebuck, and Co. building in Atlanta. She processed the medical benefits for the entire southern territory and solely did the work of what later would be distributed among a team of 40 people. That’s beyond impressive. And exhausting. Pat left Sears after she became pregnant with Kelly, who later threw a kicking, screaming tantrum – perhaps fittingly – when Pat proudly introduced her new bundle of joy to her previous boss and coworkers.

Pat Thompson was a woman of faith and loved helping others. She warmed bodies with her beautifully crocheted blankets and scarves, and she regularly touched countless hearts with pocket angel gifts of gratitude, peace, and hope.

A celebration of life for both Pat and Joe will be held at a later time. You can stay in touch with Kelly at tkellann2@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Arthritis Foundation in memory of Pat.