Karen Sue (Cash) Thompson, age 60, met her Savior face-to-face on the evening of Monday, August 23, 2021 at her Stuarts Draft residence. She went unexpectedly, yet peacefully in her sleep, into the arms of Jesus.

Karen was born on October 1, 1960 in Wareham, Massachusetts. She was the firstborn daughter of Earl David Cash and the late Geraldine Staton Cash. Karen was raised in a loving home with doting parents and siblings. She had a beautiful childhood full of warm memories with her large extended family and many friends. Karen enjoyed school and was a proud 1978 graduate of Riverheads High School.

Karen met the love of her life, Aron Thompson, in the summer of 1979. They were introduced at a homecoming party for Aron after he served in the Marine Corps. Karen later said that she took one look at Aron's Marine Corps biceps and that was all she wrote. Case closed. Karen and Aron were joyfully married on June 27, 1981. They enjoyed forty beautiful years of marriage.

Karen's greatest joys were her husband, children and grandchildren. She was the most amazing Mawmaw and her grandchildren frequently fought over whose turn it was to spend the night with her. She never missed an event for her kids or grandbabies and was always their number one fan. Her children called her multiple times a day just to hear her sweet voice; she was their rock. All three kids had to be close to their mama, living within ten minutes of her home.

Karen worked for Augusta County Public Schools for twenty-two years, most of those years as a paraprofessional at Riverheads Elementary School. She was devoted to her job and to her students. Karen was positive, resilient, and kind; a true asset to her profession. Her co-workers, who were more like family, adored her and her positive outlook on life. Likewise, her students loved her. The impact she made on the lives of everyone she touched is immeasurable.

Karen was an active member of White Hill Church of the Brethren. She loved to serve others and loved the Lord. She never wavered in her faith and lived out her belief of loving one another, leading many to a personal relationship with Christ. Karen served in numerous ways at the church, but was best known for her Wednesday night meals she cooked for the children's program. She could easily whip up a meal for fifty plus people. She was the ultimate hostess with the mostest.

Karen was the epitome of Proverbs 31:38. "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well." She was everything warm, patient, and kind. She was the matriarch of her family, kept an immaculate home, had the amazing ability to bring people together, and could get any baby to sleep. Everyone called Karen their best friend. She never met a stranger, welcoming everyone with open arms.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Staton Cash. Surviving in addition to her husband is her father, Earl David Cash and wife Violet of Waynesboro, a son, David A. Thompson and wife, Kristina of Stuarts Draft, a daughter, Danielle N. Woods and husband Willy of Lyndhurst, her youngest daughter, Cassandra G. Hicklin and husband, Casey of Stuarts Draft, a sister, Kimberly J. Hotaling and husband, Brian of Charles Town, WV, a brother, Robert F. Cash of Craigsville, and the pride and joy of her life, her six grandbabies, Natalie, Kyra, \u0026 Jase Thompson, and Adah, Hattie, \u0026 Tessa Jo Hicklin.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2021 at White Hill Church of the Brethren or at other times at the family residence.

The celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 at White Hill Church of the Brethren with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Rusty Riley, Ralph Prater, Greg Baska, Tony Arehart, Mitch Moore, Wayne Flippin, Casey Flippin, and Jimmy Madison.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution to the White Hill Church Playground Fund.

Coffman Funeral Home, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.