Edith "Ede" Annette Winterholter Thompson

ELM CITY – Edith “Ede” Annette Winterholter Thompson, age 87, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Born in Huntington County, Indiana, on February 1, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Noel Howard Winterholter and Opal Lucile Eddy Winterholter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Dr. David Loren Thompson.

A devoted servant of Jesus and a lifelong member of the Wesleyan Church, Ede enjoyed worshiping at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. A gifted pianist and organist, she played in churches and at community gatherings for more than 60 years. For many of those years, she and her husband, David, were partners in ministry and music.  Ede also devoted much of her life to teaching. She established a TESOL program for the Jessamine County Public School System in Kentucky and taught students from kindergarten through 12th grade. During her 50-year career, she taught in a variety of settings, including several decades in Jessamine County.  Ede was known for her kindness, generosity, and welcoming nature. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and a valued friend to many.

Ede is survived by her daughters, Gina Thompson Eickhoff and husband, Kyle, and Karin Thompson Van Horn and husband, Andrew; her son, Scott Thompson; her grandchildren, David Henry Van Horn, Sophia Eridani Van Horn, William Alex Van Horn, and Emily Anne Eickhoff; as well as many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ede’s memory may be made to the Community Service Center of Wilmore-High Bridge.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Wilmore Free Methodist Church, 1200 Lexington Road, Wilmore, KY 40390, with visitation at the church from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Burial will immediately follow the service at Wilmore Cemetery in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.