Lisa Pruitt Thompson

Lisa Pruitt Thompson, 48, of Morganton, NC died on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. Born in Hagerstown, MD on July 5, 1967, she was the daughter of Donald Ivan Pruitt and Nancy Sula Echols Pruitt of China Grove, NC.
In addition to her parents, Lisa is survived by her husband, Rev. Brad Thompson of the home; children, Abygael, Alexys, and Barrett Thompson, all of the home; a brother, Kevin Pruitt and wife, Jamie of China Grove, NC; a niece, Sarah Shore and husband Brett, and their son, Blaine; and a nephew, Zachary Pruitt.
Upon graduation from Appalachian State University in 1991, Mrs. Thompson began her career in education as an elementary teacher in Rowan County. She left North Carolina in 1994 and served for two years in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1996 she returned to the area as a teacher in Burke County.
Mrs. Thompson earned her Master of School Administration degree from Appalachian State in 1999 and moved to Lincoln County Schools as an Assistant Principal. Thompson was named an Assistant Principal for Catawba County Schools in 2004 at Jacobs Fork Middle School. She was appointed Principal at Jacobs Fork in 2006. In 2008 she was reassigned as Principal at Balls Creek Elementary. While at Balls Creek she was named the Principal of the Year for Catawba County in 2012. In 2014 Mrs. Thompson was appointed Principal of Old Fort Elementary School in McDowell County, where she was currently employed.
Superintendent Mark Garrett of McDowell County stated, “Lisa was not only a great educator but also, more importantly, a tireless champion for children. The job she accomplished in her short time at the helm of Old Fort is just what was needed. We selected the absolute right person to serve as Principal when we hired Lisa Thompson. The school has improved visibly and continues to grow as a result of her leadership.” Superintendent Garrett closed by adding, “We are all better for having shared time alongside her in this journey.”
Family vacations were always a special activity that Lisa enjoyed. She was also an avid knitter. Mrs. Thompson was a member of First United Methodist Church but attended Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church where her husband currently serves as pastor.
The funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at First United Methodist Church of Morganton, with Michelle Levan officiating. The receiving of friends will follow the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Healthcare Foundation Cancer Fund, 2201 S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.