Carol Anne Parker Thompson, age 87, passed away August 3, 2025 in Wooster, Ohio.
She was born on September 15, 1937 in Akron, Ohio to Oakley and Paulyne Briggs Parker.
She grew up in Ohio and moved to Norton Shores, Michigan in 1976. Dr. Thompson graduated from Kent State University, Western Michigan University, and the University of Michigan. She was a dedicated teacher in Ohio and Michigan schools for nearly 40 years, with the last 26 years at Muskegon Community College. She was a longtime active member of First Congregational Church (Muskegon), Greater Muskegon Service League, Greater Muskegon Women’s Club, Women Who Care, Friends of the Norton Shores Library, and the Broad Investor’s Club. As a result of her many volunteer activities, Dr. Thompson was selected as “Woman of Achievement” in 2012 by the Greater Muskegon Women’s Club. An avid reader, writer, and singer, she belonged to several book clubs, wrote a column for the Norton Examiner, and sang in choirs with the Blue Lake Alumni and the First Congregational Church.
Dr. Thompson moved to Wooster, Ohio in 2020. She continued her love of volunteering in the Wooster Community. She was a member of the Wooster Friends of the Library, Wayne County Friends of the Symphony, the League of Women Voters, and the Wayne County Democratic Party. She continued her love of singing in her performances with the Cantate Singers. She joined Trinity United Church of Christ, and served as a worship leader and pastoral care associate.
Dr. Thompson is survived by daughters Deborah Perkins (Brenda Catania) of Athens, OH, and Tricia Perkins (Joe Hull-deceased) of Seattle, WA. Other survivors include: Siblings Patricia Cook (Ted), of Green Valley, AZ, Norena Fox (Jim), and Jim Parker, of Wooster, OH; special nieces Gail Woosley and Bonnie Groop, other nieces and nephews, granddaughter Kassandra Rindfusz, and her constant companion, Beau Beau.
She was preceded in death by siblings Barbara Parker-Davis and John Parker, and her best friend and longtime companion, Gerald L. Engle.
At Dr. Thompson’s request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Trinity UCC, 150 E. North St., Wooster, and at a later date at the First Congregational Church, 1201 Jefferson Ave., Muskegon where she will be inurned in the columbarium.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in her honor to Trinity UCC, 150 E. North St., Wooster, OH 44691 or to the music department at First Congregational Church, 1201 Jefferson Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441 or to Planned Parenthood of Michigan, Development Department, Planned Parenthood of Michigan, P.O. Box 3673, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Carol will truly be missed. She was well read and was a true activist against injustice on any level. I will miss our dinners and conversation and the love that she showed to myself, Bonnie and the rest of my family. Rest in peace my dear. We will think of you often.
Mom…I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to you. I was so looking forward to traveling to Canada via rail, going to concerts with you, watching and listening to you sing, and watching you eat the pies I made, with love. I miss you, I loved watching Britbox with you and talking about forensics. I am so glad I had the honor of holding you as you took your last breath. Beau Beau and I will look up at the stars at night, hoping to catch sight of your light. I dearly hope you are in Jerry’s arms, once again, that you are happy, and at peace. Until I see you again, rest easy. You so deserve it. Love, Deb
My condolences to Aunt Carol’s family. I have fond memories of her growing up. She seemed larger than life to me. She was a huge support for my mom and me and I think of her often. Rest in peace. I envision Aunt Carol, Uncle John, my Mom, and Jerry dancing in heaven. Take care to all!
With much love, Norena K
Carol is truly missed. She was a pleasant and loving person to my brother Jerry. Rest in peace Carol.
My condolences to Carol’s family. She was an amazing woman, truly someone to look up to.
Dear Carol, you were such a big part of my Dad Jerry’s life. He truly found a most wonderful love with you. You had so much in common with your broad interests and love of culture. I loved hearing your laugh and eating your amazing desserts. You were always so cute with Beau Beau except when he was barking at deer through the windows 🙂 May you rest in sweet peace, be reunited with loved ones in Heaven. Now you can truly sing with the angels.
Condolences to family and friends. I enjoyed talking to you about new mystery novels and numerous other books.
Was a wonderful wedding event that you and Jerry shared with us and I’m grateful that you were there. May you rest in peace and know you are loved. Your daughter-in-law. Brenda
Debbie (Reynolds) – I am so sorry to hear about your mom. We met up numerous times in the neighborhood walking our pups. Daphne was one of the few neighborhood dogs that Beau Beau truly liked. We had some nice talks as our pups led the way. She was a very kind lady and I wish I had known her better. Glad to know that you have Beau Beau. Daphne will miss her friend. I’m glad I got the chance to meet you also.
My condolences to the family. Carol was a wonderful addition to our Investment club and it was my privilege to have called her my friend.