Joan Marie Thompson

Joan Marie Thompson passed away on September 16, 2024. She was born on August 20, 1945, in Oklahoma City, to J.R. McLauchlin, M.D. and Marie Josephine McLauchlin. She attended Christ the King Catholic School and later graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School. She was a Class Cheerleader and a four-year member of the BMHS Pep Club. She was a member of the French Club and The Queens' Players Organization at McGuinness. Joanie, as she preferred to be called, attended Duchesne College/Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and completed her freshman year of college there. She then returned to Oklahoma City, where she attended Oklahoma City University and earned her BA and two master’s degrees in education and early childhood development, graduating with honors.

 While attending OCU, she married Tommy Thompson, the love of her life. They had two sons, Thomas Dean and Jared Ryan. This was her proudest achievement.

 Joanie became a Certified Montessori Education teacher, specializing in Pre-School and Elementary Educations. Her specialty was teaching children to read, which brought her real enjoyment and great satisfaction.

 As a Volunteer for the Junior League of Oklahoma City, she was on the Committee that helped with a Research Project. From this Research the Referral Center of Oklahoma City was developed and formed.

 The family then moved to Los Angeles, CA, where she taught 2nd Grade with the additional responsibility of preparing her class for the Catechism in order for them to receive their first communion. She then taught in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Grades with responsibilities to supervise the Computer Reading Center, at the Montrose Christian Montessori School in Glendale, CA.

 Upon returning to Oklahoma, Joanie worked for the Rainbow Fleet Educational Program for 2 years and was an Elementary Kindergarten/Montessori teacher at Ridgeview Elementary School for 3 years. She taught at the Temple Preschool for 2 years. Then became a weekly Volunteer for the Oklahoma City Public Schools.

 Joanie later became an Educational Specialist for the Oklahoma Historical Society for the State of Oklahoma. She assisted in the design of the "Traveling Trunks" and participated in "Living History Programs" for Schools. She really enjoyed giving museum tours and assisting with the Educational Programs for the new History Center in Oklahoma City.

 Joanie was also a very active volunteer in tutoring young students, teaching reading and math at Eugene Field; North Highland; and Britton Elementary Schools with OKC Public Schools.

 Upon retiring from the State of Oklahoma and teaching, Joanie helped her husband start a Consulting Company, 4 Feathers Consulting Inc., in which she served as a Board Member and Stockholder.

 She also became a Real Estate Agent/Associate for the Keller Williams Real Estate Company and was an active member of the National Association of Realtors and OKMAR Realty Associations.

 Joanie's first love in life was for her spouse and family.

 Joanie was a member of the Oklahoma City Junior League and was an active participant as an Active and Sustainer member for many years. She served on the Oklahoma Air National Guard's Scholarship Board, helping to raise funds for deserving Air Guard youths. She also served with the Christ the King School Cub-Scout Organization and served as a home room and library volunteer in their classrooms for several years.

 In California, she had the opportunity to serve on the Incarnation Catholic Church Board, in Glendale.

 She loved to knit, needlepoint, cook, attend weekly Bible Study, garden, and to travel with her husband, Tommy, on business trips.

 Joanie was a longtime member of the Christ the King Catholic Church.

 Joan is survived by her husband, Tommy; her sister, Sarah and husband, Terry Pansza, their son Scott, and daughter, Joanie Merrill and family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sons, Thomas Dean and Jared Ryan.

 At Joan's request, a private graveside service was held at McGee Cemetery in Stratford, OK, along with her two sons.

 In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the American Indian Museum of Oklahoma City or the charity of choice.