Barbara Thompson

Barbara Jean (Fields) Thompson was born Friday August 11th, 1939 in Bluefield, West Virginia. She was the fifth of eight children and youngest daughter of the late William Fairbanks and Mary (Craft) Fields. She accepted Christ at a young age under the leadership of the late Reverend Gregory of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Bluefield, West Virginia.

 Barbara matriculated through school in Bluefield, West Virginia at Genoa Junior High School, and graduated from Park Central High School in 1958. Barbara met and married the late Rudolph Valentine on October 8, 1958 in Bluefield, West Virginia. To that union, three beautiful children were born – Neni, Rodney and Nelson. She excelled at Bluefield State College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She later earned a Masters of Education in Guidance & Counseling from The Ohio State University.

 Barbara married the late John Harold Thompson Jr. on September 19, 1969 and relocated to Columbus Ohio. A lifelong educator, devoting over 30 years to Columbus Public Schools, she served as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor and administrator at a number of schools positively impacting countless students at every stop. She was a member of New Salem Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio where she served in the choir. In recent years, as a member of Christ Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Barbara lead the educational programs during vacation bible school. 

 Barbara was a member of the Order of Eastern Star through Alla Baba Court No. 75, being named Illustrious Commandress in 1999. After retirement from the school system in 2003, Barbara kept active serving as the lead supervisor for the usher team at the famed Lincoln Theatre. In addition to her work at The Lincoln, Barbara thoroughly enjoyed her annual road trips throughout the country exploring the history of the Underground Railroad with her friends at the Marion Franklin Multigenerational Center. 

 Barbara Jean (Fields) Thompson was called home to rest with the Lord on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parent William Fairbanks and Mary (Craft) Fields; siblings Willie Mae Fields, William Fairbanks Fields Jr., Nelson Leroy Fields, Earnest Theodore Morris Fields,; granddaughter Nakia Marie Valentine.

 Barbara leaves to cherish her precious memories her children Neni Valentine of Rex, GA., Rodney Valentine of Colorado Springs, CO., & Nelson(Lani) Valentine of Stone Mountain, GA.; niece Marissa(Marvin) Stanback of Rockingham, NC. Nephew Jaylen Booker of Charlotte, NC.; Grandchildren Justin(Naporsha) Valentine of Powder Springs, GA., Ruben Thomas of Los Angeles, CA., Amber Hicks of Atlanta, GA., Christian Valentine of Atlanta, GA. and Tayah Slaughter-Valentine of Athens, GA.; Sister Velma(Ted) Ching, Brothers Joseph(Earnestine) Rudolph Fields & Herlotha Raymond Fields of Detroit, MI.; Great-grandchildren Kamryn, Justice, Ava, Nylah, Phoenix, Nolan & Lyric, along with a host of relatives and friends.