Cover photo for Harriet M. Thompson's Obituary
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1940 Harriet 2025

Harriet M. Thompson

January 20, 1940 — January 19, 2025

Florence

Harriet Lawlor Thompson was born on January 20, 1940 in Waverly, New York to Dr. George L. Lawlor and Mildred Rex Lawlor. After the death of her mother from scarlet fever in 1951, Harriet took up the role of maternal guardian over the entire Lawlor family, selflessly caring for her father and her two brothers, Jim and John. Harriet’s father moved his family to Ohio in 1957, where Dr. Lawlor began to work as a Professor at Cedarville University and Harriet graduated Van Wert High School in 1958. Harriet was proud of her father’s legacy and namesake at Cedarville University. 

 

In 1965, Harriet married Douglas (Doug) Thompson in Trotwood, Ohio, when she was 24 years old. Together, Harriet and Doug fully embraced the Christian vocation of parenthood. Harriet gave birth to three children, Tim, David, and Shari, and was the mother of Mark Thompson by adoption. Harriet was also the guardian and foster-mother to many young children. 

 

In every aspect of her life, Harriet consecrated herself to the Lord Jesus Christ. She worked many jobs to support her family and the Church, including as a librarian, florist, and security agent at the Cincinnati Ohio airport. As a florist, Harriet assembled beautiful floral arrangements along with her son David for special events, like weddings and church functions. Harriet credited her floral handiwork to God, treating each occasion to decorate as an opportunity to teach others about the truth of the gospel. 

 

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul says: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” The central focus of Harriet’s life was the same as the apostle Paul—to lead others to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and to demonstrate His example through her ministry. Harriet was the leader of “Needle & Thread,” a sewing group in Northern Kentucky focused on sewing, quilting, and making items for missionaries worldwide. 

Most recently, Harriet led the women of “Needle & Thread” to create thousands of materials, like blankets and quilts, for victims in the war in Ukraine. Harriet ensured that each garment made was inscribed with the loving words of scripture and was attributed to Calvary Baptist Church. The items created by “Needle & Thread” were also given to “Care Net,” an organization serving families in need of pregnancy care, as well as those who needed end of life care at the Saint Elizabeth Hospice Center.

 

Harriet was known by many as a “prayer warrior.” When nights would pass where she could not sleep, Harriet turned to prayer, pleading that God grant favor over those she loved. Harriet repeatedly emphasized that anything is possible in the will of God, and her friends would respond by saying, “with the excellent and relentless pursuit of Harriet.” 

 

Harriet M. Thompson passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the age of 84 years old, mere hours before her 85th birthday. Harriet’s daughter, Shari, said the timing of her mother’s passing is no coincidence, because Jesus wanted her birthday to be the day He gladly tells her she’s been born again face-to-face. 

 

Harriet was preceded in death by her sons, David and Mark, and her brother Jim (Dolly) Lawlor. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Thompson; children, Timothy (Renee) Thompson and Shari (Travis) Leonardi; grandchildren, Anthony Leonardi and Christina Leonardi; and brother, John (Mary Ellen) Lawlor. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Ft. Wright, KY 41017. 

 

In lieu of flowers, sympathies may be expressed to the Needles & Threads Ministry, which Harriet helped found, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3711 Tibbatts St. Covington, KY 41015. Checks need to be made out to Calvary Baptist with a byline that says for needle and thread group.

 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harriet M. Thompson, please visit our flower store.

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Visitation

Thursday, January 23, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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