Cherie Thompson

Cherie Lynn Thompson, age 80, of Oak Ridge TN passed away on November 22, 2025 at Methodist Medical Center after a four-month illness. Born on November 29, 1944 in Akron OH to Sherlie and Dorothy Nation, Cherie was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She is survived by John Thompson, her devoted husband of 40 years, her two beloved sons, David Eckman (Dawn Mackey, fiancée) Oak Ridge, TN and Fred Eckman (Angie, wife) Lynnwood, WA, her brother Don Nation, Melbourne, FL, a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, and an exceptional friend of 69 years, Regina (Impy) Brown (and family) of Akron, OH.

Cherie was preceded in death by her parents and six of her siblings, Jean Kipp, Robert Nation, Barbara Garlitz, Wanda Lancaster, David Nation and Dick Nation.

After graduating from high school, Cherie moved to Florida where she worked at Holmes Regional Hospital for 16 years as a computer technician, following which she and John moved to TN where she was the financial secretary for John's Mental Health Counseling practice for 20 years. Her passion was art and through art she connected with a multitude of people. She was known for her work as a painter, working in a variety of mediums in her "CherArt" business and serving as a member of several Art Councils. Cherie enjoyed everything she did; she found purpose and meaning in the simplest of events. She was a supporter of many charities, eight on a regular basis, and in death was a skin donor for burn victims and cancer patients. Dogs were always a big part of her life and always considered to be family members. Stemming from her husband John's experience as a veteran, Cherie became a life member and supporter of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the narthex of St. Mary's Church at 327 Vermont Avenue, Oak Ridge TN preceding Cherie's funeral. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Ray Powell at the church on Saturday December 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with an inurnment in the St. Mary's Columbarium immediately following the Mass. A light reception will follow in St. Mary's Social Hall.