Carolyn Knapp Thompson, 76, of Alderson, WV, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at the Greenbrier Healthcare Center. After battling COPD for many years, she left this world for a better place.
Born a Virgo on September 6, 1941, she was the only daughter to Clarence and Elizabeth Knapp and the older sister to Rodney and Ronald.
Carolyn was always a staunch supporter of her family, especially her sons, RA and Chad; granddaughter, Erica; grandson, Seth and great-grandson, Caleb. Carolyn was born and raised at Lily Park in Rainelle, WV.
Carolyn was a member of Rainelle High School’s Class of 1959. She excelled in extracurricular activities, where she was on the varsity cheer squad as well as starting catcher on the girls’ softball team.
At an early age, Carolyn fell madly in love with horses. Some of the fondest memories she would recall were the times that she was able to spend at the family camp taking her horse, Lady Bird, out on trails riding with her brothers, and all the while RA would ride his mini bike.
Carolyn was once a very active member in the Eastern Star and at the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church. With the Eastern Star, she volunteered for various fundraisers and community events. Carolyn enjoyed being active in the church, and particularly with the children’s activities.
Carolyn started her career working for George Aide in Rainelle when she was just a young girl of fifteen years old. From here, she began a career in textiles, which led to her eventual job as a textiles production supervisor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Alderson Women’s Prison Camp until she retired in the late 1980s.
She always loved having people around and was generous to a fault. If there was a reason, there was going to be a barbecue at the farm or one of the friends’ houses. She loved the energy from a tight-knit crowd of family and friends. Carolyn had the most inviting smile and personality. It is that smile and genuine love that will be missed every day.
Carolyn has generously offered herself for medical research to WVSOM, with the hope of enlightening and educating friends, neighbors and future generations of the importance of self-care and staying as healthy as we are able.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alderson Volunteer Fire Department & EMS, 109 Railroad Avenue, Alderson, WV 24910, or to the COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134.
“We love you C – and pray that you are finally able to find some peace.”
Online condolences may be sent by visiting WallaceandWallace.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the May 11, 2018 edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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