Mary Jane Smiley Thompson

Mrs. Mary Jane Smiley Thompson departed to her heavenly home on February 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Mrs. Thompson was born in Salisbury, NC in 1937, graduated from Boyden High School, and received her degree in Sociology from the University of NC in Greensboro in 1958. Shortly thereafter, she married Charles Jefferson Thompson (Jeff) and settled in Maryland to raise their family. As the children grew, Mrs. Thompson then entered the Elementary Education field and taught many grade levels throughout her career. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson retired from education and returned to their beloved hometown of Salisbury to enjoy their retirement years with extended family and many friends. In January 2023, they relocated to Midlothian, VA to be near loved ones. Mary Jane had many interests such as knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, playing bridge and scrabble, sewing, and working puzzles. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and strongly involved with mission endeavors. She volunteered for many years at Meals on Wheels, Rowan Helping Ministry, NC Tar Heel Girls State (House Mother), Elizabeth Maxwell Steele DAR (former Vice Regent), Rowan Museum History Camp and Celebration of Life Breast Cancer Support Group events. Among her favorite travel adventures were cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal and several trips to Europe, but she really loved just going to the beach. Mary Jane is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Charles Jefferson Thompson (4/23). Left to cherish her memory are her children: Elisabeth Billig and husband Paul, Barrett Thompson and wife Sharon, and Paul Thompson and wife Jen. Jeff and Mary Jane were the loving grandparents of Kelly, Janelle, Matthew, Kent, Jenna, Aaron, William, Sarah, Katherine, and Lauren. In addition, they were the delighted great grandparents of Rebecca, Sawyer, Nicholas, and Colton. Joining the family in grief is Jeff’s sister, Judy Monroe and her children Blair Cooper and wife Kimberly, Anne Blume and husband Kevin, and Lynne Johnson and husband Craig along with their families. Also, Lu Wilson and her children Cathryn Smiley Gore and husband Mark, and David Smiley. Visitation and funeral services in Salisbury, NC are as follows: Visitation will be at Summersett Funeral Home on Saturday, February 17th from 6:00 – 8:00pm. Graveside burial service will be at Rowan Memorial Park on Sunday, February 18th at 1:30pm with Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti officiating. Memorial donations would be appreciated to Rowan Meals on Wheels or a charity of donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.summersettfuneralhome.com. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Thompson family.

Mary Jane Smiley Thompson

February 28, 1937 - February 3, 2024