Barbara Anita Thompson

In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made to her church that she loved so dearly, First Baptist Church of West College Hill.

Barbara Anita Thompson was born on January 12, 1948, to the union of the late Andrew and Lida Holt in Cincinnati, Ohio. She peacefully transitioned home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Barbara lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her family, friends, and faith community.

Barbara graduated from Hughes High School in 1966, where she was known for her bright spirit and kindness. Shortly after, she began her professional journey at Longview State Hospital, where she worked diligently from 1966 until 1982. Her commitment to her work was matched by her passion for learning, leading her to join the University of Cincinnati, where she served from 1982 until her early retirement in 1995. Retiring at the young age of 47, Barbara embraced this new chapter of her life with the same vigor and dedication she had shown throughout her entire career.

Her retirement allowed her to fully immerse herself in the activities she loved, devoting more time to her church, First Baptist Church of West College Hill, where she had been a faithful member since 1982. Her commitment to her church was evident in her active participation on the Usher Board, as a member of the “5 Sisters,” and later, serving as the Church Clerk after her retirement. Her deep faith journey began at the age of 13 when she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, a decision that would shape the rest of her life.

In 1968, Barbara met the love of her life, Jackie Thompson, and they were married on June 21, 1969. Their union was a beautiful testament to love and partnership, enduring just under 55 years until Jackie’s passing earlier this year in February. Together, they created a loving home, always filled with warmth, laughter, and an open door for neighbors, family, and friends. Their favorite pastime was sitting on the porch, enjoying the company of those who stopped by, reflecting their deep love for their neighborhood and community.

Barbara was a woman of many passions. She cherished her family and loved cooking and preparing meals for them. Her delicious, one-of-a-kind pound cakes were a family favorite, and eagerly anticipated during the holidays and cherished even more when they arrived unexpectedly. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she was always eager to spend time with them. Barbara loved socializing with her dear friends, dressing up in her jazzy, bling style, getting her nails done, and visiting the same hairdresser, Ms. Marion of Talk of the Town Hair Salon, for over 58 years—a special bond that remained until her passing. Her hobbies included being an active member of a traveling club, participating in a bowling league, gardening (she took special pride in planting and nurturing her beautiful plants and flowers), and staying fit as a dedicated member of Silver Sneakers.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and community. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, unwavering dedication to those she loved, and a certain amount of “sassiness” (smile) made her the unique and beloved person she was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Barbara is survived by her host of friends and church members who cherished her dearly.

In her passing, Barbara has gone home to be with the Lord, reuniting with her beloved husband, Jackie. While she will be sorely missed, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Janet Longino (Alpheus), brother Andrew “Ned” Holt (Vanessa), sister Gloria Wilson (Woodrow), brother Ronnie Holt (Alice), and brother Calvin Holt. She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, Tony (Naveena), daughter, Michelle Taylor (Carey), twelve grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren.

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