Phyllis Joanne Thompson, longtime resident of Westernport, MD, passed away on September 29, 2024.

Born in Westernport, MD on May 20, 1930, she was the youngest daughter of James and Pearl Blackburn Corbin. She graduated from Bruce High School in 1948. While at Bruce she was proud to be a cheerleader, even donning the white and blue uniform again at her 50th reunion while riding in the Homecoming parade.

On June 4, 1957, Phyllis married James E. Thompson at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Westernport and together they raised their two children. Their union was a testament to true love and partnership for almost 55 years until James’ passing in 2012.

Phyllis was a lifelong educator, touching the lives of hundreds of students from St. Peter’s, Westernport Elementary, Barton, Belair, and other Cumberland schools over her long career. She was most notably the first aide hired by the Allegany Board of Education for the Title I federally funded reading program.

Outside of the classroom her contributions to the local community were numerous and well documented by the Piedmont Herald. We do not have the space, words, or time to properly recount all the ways she made the world around her a better place.

In her retirement she enjoyed traveling to Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, MD with her “glitter girls”, beach trips to Myrtle Beach, SC with her family, and visits to Virginia to see her grandchildren.

Phyllis was known for her endearing smile and hospitality, her beautiful handwriting, and always being the sharpest dressed person in the room.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Thompson, Sr., and her sisters Dolores Liller and Eileen Patterson.

She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Sites and husband David of Covington, VA; son James E. Thompson, Jr. and partner Endie Zais-Denniker of Westernport, MD; grandchildren Alan Sites and wife Jordan of Timberville, VA and Eric Sites and fiancée Colleen Bordiuk of Richmond, VA; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Phyllis’ name to the Hope Seekers Relay for Life team of Hampshire County, which she and her husband annually supported and participated with throughout their lives. Contributions can be made via checks payable to American Cancer Society and sent to Hampshire County Relay For Life, Hope Seekers, CO/ Tracey Wygal Withrow, 99 Arbor Mist Dr, Capon Bridge, WV 26711.

Phyllis’ family would like to thank the teams at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, The Springs Nursing & Rehab, Bath Community Hospital, and LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, VA for their dedicated compassion and care.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.