Paula J. Thompson

Paula J. Thompson, 77, of Fayetteville, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, October 5. She was born in Rogers, Ark., June 19, 1939 - "shortly after the Earth cooled", as she was fond of saying - to Paul G. and Sarah Ella Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Marcella Thompson of Fayetteville, her beloved cats and dogs, and her son by choice, Jamey Hall. Graduating with a Masters in Speech and Dramatic Arts from the UofA in 1964, she was active in community theater her entire life, as an actress, educator, director, and stage/costume designer. Besides appearing in many stage productions over a remarkable 30 year span at the Art Center of the Ozarks, she created and played the well-known and much-loved character "Time-Traveling Granny", bringing Ozark History and Folklore to life for countless elementary school tour groups and adults alike. Her love and concern for children also led her to become a child advocate in the early days of the Head Start program. After retiring, she turned her farm into a wildlife habitat and sanctuary, and spent her remaining years delighting in nature, as an avid bird/bee/butterfly watcher and animal lover. Plans for a remembrance will be announced at a later date. Share online memories at www.WestfieldChapel.com.