A 1952 graduate of Honea Path High School, Stella went on to earn her Associate of Arts degree from North Greenville College in 1954. She began her career as a secretary at Riegel Textiles in Ware Shoals until its closing, then served as a secretary and payroll clerk at Chiquola Manufacturing, proudly working on their first computer system. After retiring, Stella became a caregiver, where she poured out the love of God through her gentle service to others.

Stella was a devoted lifelong member of Chiquola Baptist Church, actively serving as a WMU member and leader of the Stella Thompson Mission Group, church historian, and librarian. Her deep love for the Lord shone in every aspect of her life, and she was a faithful prayer warrior for family, friends, and countless others.

She spent many years researching and recording the genealogy of her family and extended family, carefully preserving their stories for future generations. Stella also cherished preparing Sunday dinners for her family and Rocky Vaughn – no matter how the family dynamic changed or who might show up, everyone knew they were welcome when they did.

She loved crocheting blankets, dishcloths, potholders, for family, and hats for seafarers – always finding joy in using her hands to bless others. She loved reading her Bible and keeping her mind sharp with puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku. Stella also had a special love for canning, and took delight in teaching her daughters to enjoy it too, passing down not just recipes but cherished time together in the kitchen. She enjoyed tending her yard and being outdoors when she was able. Most of all, she adored her family, keeping close ties by texting her children, grandchildren, and even a few dear friends every morning – a small but profound testament to her constant love and care.

She is survived by her three daughters: Katherine Austin (Wendell), Teresa Lynn “Penny” Booth (Fred), and Jane Johnson (Terry), all of Belton, SC; her grandchildren: Nicholas Booth (Laura), Alissia Patterson (Bobby), Jeremy Johnson (Regina), Jonathan Austin, and Jamie Johnson (James Brooks); and her great-grandchildren: Annabelle Gambrell, Wyatt Gambrell, Aniston Griffin, Lily Johnson, and Ella Johnson. Also surviving is her cherished friend, neighbor, and caregiver, Linda Farmer.

Stella was the last surviving member of her immediate family, also preceded in death by her brothers, Bonner Johnson and Walter “Train” Johnson, and her sister, Nettie Sue “Cookie” Johnson Babb.

The Thompson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hospice Palliative Care and Home Hospice of the Upstate – the nurses, social workers, and Dion the chaplain (who so sweetly sang to her during his visits) – for their exceptional care, support, and loving hearts shown to Stella and our family.       

Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Friday July 18, 2025 at Chiquola Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Thomas, Dr. Jerry White, and Rev. Ronnie Powell officiating.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Booth, Jeremy Johnson, Jonathan Austin, Jamie Johnson, Bobby Patterson, and James Brooks.

Burial will be private.

The family is at the home and will receive friends from 1:00-2:45 P.M. Friday at the church prior to the service. Flowers are welcome or memorial may be made to Chiquola Baptist Church, 405 E. Greer St., Honea Path, SC 29654 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd, Anderson, SC 29621.

Her legacy of faith, kindness, and steadfast love will continue to bless all who knew her

Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com