Arlene Thompson Obituary

Arlene Edwards Thompson

February 19, 1939 - November 14, 2024

Arlene Edwards Thompson died peacefully November 14, 2024, in Advance, NC, at the age of 85. She was born February 19, 1939, in Kannapolis, NC, to Charles Russell Edwards and Callie Spencer Edwards. She was a 1957 graduate of A. L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, NC. She attended Mars Hill College, and then University of North Carolina where she earned her journalism degree. Arlene had a long career as a feature story writer for the Winston-Salem Journal, and had a prominent role with the Pulitzer prize-winning team for her reporting on a large company quietly making land purchases with the intent to strip-mine thousands of acres in six counties in NC and VA. "Tall and flavorful" is the description of Arlene in Mary Llewellyn McNeil's book "Century's Witness" that includes mention of Arlene's work on the investigation. For Arlene, however, and in her own words, "I was a feature writer at heart, and nothing made me happier than telling gentle stories about old houses and the old people who lived in them." Her heart belonged to those small-town locals, many of whom she developed and maintained friendships with throughout the years. She was a collector of friends. She didn't know a stranger and treated everyone with love and respect. She also cherished her collection of art, buckeyes, native plants, and interesting objects of all kinds, especially at a bargain price.

Arlene's many interests reflected her inquisitive and friendly nature. She was active in the Wildflower Club of Winston-Salem, North Carolina Native Plant Society, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve. She was a close friend of Emily and proud to have hiked with her to the summit of Mount LeConte in their 60s. She was also a regular at Reynolda Gardens and had the opportunity to see the renovated greenhouse. She loved books and was an avid supporter of the Shepherd's Center Annual Book Sale. She attended many theater productions (even loaning stage props) and was a regular at the a/perture cinema, RiverRun International Film Festival, and Muse Winston-Salem. There was no one better to sit next to during a show, sharing laughter and tears. She was a philanthropist and supported many local charities. More than anything, she loved her home and the wildlife and flora on her four wooded acres on the Yadkin River.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband of 30 years, Roy Thompson, sister Carol Marion of Kannapolis, and brother Curtis Val Edwards of Kannapolis. She is survived by two nieces, Sentrie Johnson (Darren) of Shalotte, NC, Valerie Pethel of Kannapolis, NC, and nephew Vic Edwards of Mint Hill, NC. Lastly, Arlene leaves behind an entire village of eclectic friends who love her dearly and will miss her quirky nature, smart wit, and bright red lipstick smile she wore daily no matter what the circumstances. "Bless Your Heart!!!"

No formal ceremony is planned. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Piedmont Land Conservancy, or to the Davie Community Foundation under the Roy and Arlene Edwards Thompson Fund.