Katie Bell Thompson

Katie Bell Vick Thompson passed away October 6, 2016. She was born October 27, 1924 in the New Caney community, Montgomery County, Texas to the late William Arthur Vick and Laura Amelia Palmer Vick. She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Jack Thompson. She graduated from Conroe High School 1942. She was living in Houston, Texas with her sister Louise Woodson while working at Hughes Tool during the war as a welder. She met Jack who was living next door with his sister, the late Edna Sauls. She married Jack March 26, 1945 when he returned to the states from duty in the South Pacific during World War II. Katie held a variety of jobs in Houston and Birmingham, Alabama while raising her family. At the age of 40 she decided to start to college to pursue a degree in education from the University of Houston. It was hard for her and she struggled in some classes. In 1970 she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Her first teaching job was at Lane Center in the Aldine ISD. In 1973 she changed to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. She taught for 2 years at Arnold Junior High where she was Teacher of the Year in 1975. She then taught at the TMR Center for 5 years. She earned her Master's Degree from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. When the Dorothy Carlton Center was refurbished she moved there to act as director for 5 years. She was later promoted as principal of Carlton Center where she served for 3 more years until her retirement in 1987. She actively sponsored and participated in the Special Olympic City Wide competitions earning State and National honors. After her retirement she worked for Tri-County MHMR in early childhood intervention. Later she acted as a mentor teacher at Region IV Service Center supervising new teachers in Special Education. She is survived by their son, Jack Wayne Thompson and his wife Marsha of Cypress, Texas; their daughter, Marilyn Loy Sammons of Montgomery, Texas; and their daughter, Joni Kay Thompson of Plantersville, Texas. She will be missed by 4 grandchildren, Corey Johnson, Justin Sammons, Brian Johnson, and Jessi Thompson Johnson. Great-grandchildren include Justin Davidson, Hailey Johnson, Kelton Johnson, Grey Johnson, Liberty Johnson, and Bonnie Johnson. Katie will especially be missed by her surviving sisters, Louise Woodson and Imogene Macias, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her love for her Mother and Daddy was central in her life as well as her love for her brothers and sisters. A very special thank you to the caregivers at Magnolia Ranch Assisted Living who have cared for Mom for the last 2 and a half years. We appreciate your facility, kindness, and attention. Also thank you to Hospice Plus for their care and guidance. Donations in Katie's name may be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research or Special Olympics. The family will receive family and friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday, October 10th at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery. The funeral will be held at the graveside at Vick Cemetery in New Caney Tuesday, October 11th at 11:00 AM. A gathering will follow at Laura & Arvil Smith's home in Willis. You may leave written memorial condolences to the family at www.shmfh.com

Katie Bell Thompson

October 27, 1924 - October 6, 2016