Mary “Tucky” Mitchelson Thompson
Mary “Tucky” Mitchelson Thompson, died Thursday, January 26, 2012 at her home in Southern Pines. Born in Waverly, Ohio to Jay and Ella Mitchelson, she graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Music Degree. She taught music in the Webster New York Central Schools and obtained a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Tucky moved to North Carolina in 1980 and to Southern Pines in 1983 where she raised her children and served as Headmistress of the Episcopal Day School for six years.
Most recently Tucky worked as a certified paralegal and office manager for Robert S. Thompson, P.A.
Tucky loved classical instruments and church music. She worked during college in Colonial Williamsburg in the Music Teachers House as an interpreter. In Southern Pines she was an active member of the Emmanuel Handbell Choir, where she was conductor for several years. She sang in several church choirs and was a member of the Moore Choral Society. She was co-founder, Registrar and a counselor at the Carolina Girls Course of the Royal School of Church Music of America training course.
She also enjoyed working as a fitness instructor at First Health.
Tucky is predeceased by her parents and leaves a daughter, Stephanie T. Boswell (and husband, Hunter of Durham, N.C.) and son, Michael S. Thompson (and wife, Bridgette of Lewisburg, Pa) and a special friend, John Barrows of Williamsburg, VA.
There will be a private burial service and a memorial service at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 29, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emmanuel Handbell Choir or First Health Hospice Foundation.
January 26th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Stephanie, Michael, John and Bob, My heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow. Tucky and I renewed our acquaintance when I moved back to Sou. Pines six years ago and have honored her as a friend as we became “choir sisters.” She was a Woman of Valor and I shall truly miss her. May the many happy memories of the past bring you all a measure of comfort. Let light perpetual shine upon her, may she rest in peace. Blessings, Steph
January 27th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
When I heard of the loss of my friend Tucky, my first thought after the heartbreak, was I hope she knew how much she meant to me. All my accomplshments are measured to her great standards and I will always try to be the person she would be proud of.
January 27th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
I will miss her patient nature,strength and willingness to listen.She touched so many lives for the good and my heartfelt sorrow goes to her family.
January 27th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
I will miss tucky’s smile and the way she could always wake me feel better when even she was having a bad day. Tucky would give me wise words and mostly a great smile, I will miss that smile. Condolences to all, listen to some great music and think of her!
January 28th, 2012 at 8:22 am
We will miss Tucky so much. Our prayers are with all of her friends and family.
January 29th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
This news is heartbreaking, my most sincere condolences to the family. There is not much to say that will ease this sorrow and unfairness. I miss her so much. She was such a strong person it takes some kind of faith to explain why this should have happened to such a lovely and loving person as Tucky. I hope she knew how much she was loved in return for all that she did for others. I cherish the memories of many years of shared experiences. May she rest in peace.
January 30th, 2012 at 7:50 am
I am so sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Tucky. Besides being a wonderful fitness instructor, she was a
friend. I will miss her playing John Philip Sousa on all the national holidays, even though I jokingly complained every time she did.
What a talented woman! What a loss to all of us who knew her.
January 30th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Please accept our sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort become your refuge and strength during this most difficult time.(Psalms 46:1) And may the prayers of others help in some small way to comfort your hearts.
January 30th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I was so sorry to read about Tucky’s passing. She was such a sweet person and so full of life. I worked at Brides Etc. and helped with Stephanie’s wedding and also helped Tucky find a dress for Michael’s wedding. I loved seeing her come in and always enjoyed chatting with her. She will be missed by her friends and family I’m sure…my thoughts and prayers are with all of you
January 31st, 2012 at 9:13 am
Thank you Tucky for teaching me to count. You were a great inspiration and I enjoyed working with you at the fitness center. I will miss you and your great smile.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Tucky, from our first class together, many years ago, you were a good friend and a wonderful person. I will miss you.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
We are truly sorry to be so tardy in expressing our condolences to Tucky’s family. But the delay does not diminish the grief that we share with her family and friends nor the loss we feel with her passing. She was first and foremost a great, caring friend … but she was also a wonderful fitness instructor and a conscientious paralegal. She touched our lives in so many ways, and we continue to value the love we shared with her.