Debbie Bowman Thompson

Debra “Debbie” Bowman Thompson, 72, of Sophia, passed away in her home, where family quickly surrounded her with love, on Friday morning, May 2, 2025, in Sophia, NC. The daughter of Allen Millikan Bowman and the late Lalah Marie Rush Bowman, Debbie was born December 31, 1952, at Randolph Hospital. She graduated from Randleman High School in 1971 and enjoyed an upbringing full of love with her family and friends.

Debbie met her husband, Michael “Mike” Ray Thompson, in 2007 when they met at Huddle House in Asheboro for coffee and never looked back. They were married in 2008 and shared nearly two decades of love together in Sophia. Debbie and Mike also had a place at Myrtle Beach, SC and enjoyed continuing to spend time there. Recently, she started playing golf with Mike (golf being Mike’s second love, after Debbie), which they enjoyed together. In the last few years, they were spending time at the beach more often– going down to Myrtle Beach every couple of weeks to their “happy place.” Debbie was retired for the last 13 years. For 28 years prior, she worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Asheboro where she was described as both a highly awarded and a caring employee. Debbie also worked at Klopman Mills for 10 years.

Involved in her community, Debbie was a volunteer at both Randolph Hospice House and Randolph Hospital. Her volunteer work in retirement is a small anecdote of her kindness as woman led by her faith in Jesus.

Described as one of the purest examples of a Christian, Debbie was so strong in faith that it was imprinted in her interactions. When people saw Debbie, they saw Jesus as her kindness was felt by all whom she encountered. Known affectionately as “Memaw” and “Aunt Debbie” to many of her family members, all would attest that she would do anything for them- quite literally giving others the shoes off her feet on more than

one occasion. She made it a priority never to miss a birthday or event for her loved ones. Her maternal nature ran deep and her kindness widespread. Many people in her life, including family (husband, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and others alike), count themselves fortunate to have called Debbie a best friend.

She loved shopping with her best friends, particularly her daughter. Debbie was especially skilled at, and enjoyed, good consignment finds. She also loved and took great care of her flowers. Upkeep of a superb garden is a habit undoubtedly learned from her mother. From beautiful flowers and ferns, her nurturing extended to pickles. Debbie canned pickles her whole life after learning to do so at an early age. They were known to be so good, that great debate would take place in the family over who would get the last one in a jar. She liked her pickles as much as any, but mostly she wanted others to enjoy them as well.

Debbie’s selfless care for others might only be matched by her quick wit. Debbie’s humor is a trait that mirrored her mother as well. No one enjoyed a good laugh or prank as much as this mother-daughter combination.

Debbie made people laugh with infectious humor and quick comebacks. Her combination of kindness and humor was natural and admirable, enabling her to foster meaningful relationships with so many. She loved family gatherings. On such occasions, in a world where technology is all consuming, she insisted people not be on their phones. She knew that relationships matter; her actions taught that people matter; and her life was an example that the time you spend with the people you love matters most.

Debbie had a special personality trait of always having the last word but still making you feel good and laugh about it. She was never ill-willed but

constantly picked, humorously. She was always herself— unscripted with charisma. She was loved and adored by all. From the elderly she volunteered to help in hospice care, to her three-year-old great granddaughter, Debbie was always the same person who left people with smiles on their faces. A longtime member of Why Not Wesleyan Church, Debbie was unwavering in her faith and desire to do what was right.

The oldest of her generation in the immediate family, Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, Lalah Marie Rush Bowman. She is survived by her father, Allen Millikan Bowman; husband, Michael “Mike” Ray Thompson of Sophia; sister, Beverly Bowman Hunt and husband Tom of Trinity; brother, James Allen Bowman and wife Ginger of Sophia; daughter, Angela Thompson Rowland and husband Mike of Pinehurst; son, Michael Leroy Thompson II and wife Ashley of Lexington; grandchildren: Madeline Rowland Nelson and husband Joshua of Pinehurst; Michael Clark Rowland III and fiancé Alexis Smith of Pinehurst; Michaela Marie Rowland of Pinehurst, Matthew Charles Rowland of Pinehurst, Megan Denise Rowland of Pinehurst, Miranda Ann Rowland of Pinehurst, Mitchell Cash Rowland of Pinehurst, Brooklyn Alexandria Thompson of Lexington, Michael LeRoy Thompson III of Lexington; great grandchild, Lalah Olivia Nelson of Pinehurst; and stepdaughter, Kristy Thompson Flowers; along with many other loving family members in Randolph County.

Service: Why Not Wesleyan Church in Seagrove (1402 NC-705) on Wednesday, May 7th at 11:00am.

Memorials: Randolph Hospice House (416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203).

Arrangements: Pugh Funeral Home, Randleman, is in charge of arrangements.