Tara Elizabeth Thompson

Tara Elizabeth Thompson, 55, passed away peacefully at Duke Hospital on December 2, 2022 after an extended illness. Christmas was always her favorite holiday as she was born December 25, 1966 in Concord, North Carolina, the oldest of two daughters to Richard L. Thompson and Susan Dixon Menikheim. She attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and earned an undergraduate degree in English and graduate degree (MFA) in creative writing.

Early in life she displayed a passion for acting and starred in Kids World, a children’s television program out of Charlotte. Her acting passion lead to time in New York and Los Angeles pursuing her dream. She appeared in episodes of Matlock, did several commercials, including a national commercial, and acted in several independent films, including Bloodmoon and Carolina Low. Later, as she was an avid reader, she began writing and has subsequently published short stories and most recently completed her first novel. She enjoyed her writing group, based in Durham.

She worked for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington on the Information Technology Services team. She enjoyed reading great literature, and watching exceptional talent on film and stage. She especially loved her family, and was extremely close to her sister, Whitney. She is survived by her father and stepmother, Richard L. Thompson (Peggy), her mother and stepfather, Susan Menikheim (Bill), her sister and husband, Whitney Webb (Neville), and her nephew Dixon and niece Eliza. She also is further survived by her boyfriend and soulmate, Brad Baker, as well as her beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Edgar and Mary Thompson of Warren County, NC and Lohr and Vera Dixon of Elon, NC.

A memorial service of Tara’s life will be held at 11:00 am on January 3, 2023 at the Elon Community Church located 271 N Williamson Avenue, Elon. A luncheon will follow for family and friends.

The family is grateful to Bowman Gray Hospital and specifically Dr. Hurd, who helped her through two bone marrow transplants. We are also extremely grateful to the Duke Hospital team, especially the lung transplant unit including Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Mohamedaly, and Sarah Cooper who took exceptional care of her through the last 7 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Research Hospital (stjude.org), Tara’s favorite charity.

Condolences may be offered online at www.richandthompson.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Tara Elizabeth Thompson, please visit our Tree Store.