Carolyn Jane Thompson

Carolyn Jane Thompson, Age 81 of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born on Friday, October 6, 1944, in Frankfort, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Merrell Floyd Downey and Eliza Lee (Martin) Downey. The widow of Elmer Thompson, she was a loving and devoted military wife for over 50 years, supporting her husband throughout his many years of service to our country that took their family across the United States. Carolyn was a kind and caring person who devoted her life to taking care of others. She always looked for an opportunity to make someone feel special, especially her many nieces and nephews. For many years, she supported her husband and raised her children, before going to work in the forensics lab at the Kentucky State Police in Frankfort. Upon her retirement, she was honored as a Kentucky Colonel for her years of service. Even though retired, she stayed busy and used her love for cooking, as a cook at the Pleasureville Chevron. Outside of being an amazing cook, Carolyn enjoyed gardening, going for long drives and shopping, but mostly for others. She was a selfless woman who wouldn’t hesitate to do for others and only thought of herself after everyone else had what they needed. She attended Lockport Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Leann Marie Thompson.

She is survived by her daughter, Joann Spencer (Ben) of Shelbyville; son, Charlie Thomspon (Tina) of New Castle; grandchildren, Derek Lightman (Alli) of Lawrenceburg, Sarah Fleming of Clarksville, TN, Samantha Spencer of Shelbyville, Alex Thompson and Chris Thompson both of New Castle; and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Emma, and Cas.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Beckley Funeral Home with Reverend Paul Briscoe Officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service on Wednesday. Interment will take place at Coppersmith Cemetery, 7767 Gest Road, Pleasureville, Kentucky 40057. With care and professionalism, arrangements are under the direction of Beckley Funeral Home.