Bettye D. Thompson's Obituary
Bettye Dillon Thompson passed away peacefully on Saturday April 20, 2024, at her home in Rehoboth Beach.
She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 5, 1929, to the late LeRoy and Essie Dillon and was an only child. She grew up in Wilmington, DE and graduated from A I Dupont High School where she was a starter on the woman’s varsity basketball team beginning in 7th grade. She was a debutante celebrated at the Hotel Dupont prior to attending University of Delaware where she met her future husband, Stan Thompson. After marriage they would reside in Salisbury, MD and later in Georgetown, DE while Stan worked for Southern States Cooperative as District Manager of the Eastern Shore. In 1955 they moved to Rehoboth Beach when Stan became managing partner of the Southern States Agency in Nassau. A year later Stan would cofound Edgehill Drugs, Inc., opening their first pharmacy in 1957 in the new Edgehill Shopping Center in Dover. For years Bettye would work at the new pharmacy locations as they came on board after Stan bought out his partners and continued to manage the day-to-day operations of both family businesses.
Bettye and Stan were long standing members of RBCC and enjoyed golf, bridge and socializing with their many friends over the years. Stan was a pilot and they would often fly their plane between condos in Myrtle Beach, SC and Boca Raton, FL.
Bettye hosted many a family cookout around their pool on Henlopen Avenue and later holiday celebrations at their Pennsylvania Avenue home. They loved being with their family and were extremely proud of their children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Bettye was predeceased by her husband, Stan, of 65 years in 2015 and her grandson, Brent, in 2002. She is survived by their three children; Blake Thompson and his wife, Carol; Eve Hughes and her husband, Tom; and Blair Thompson and his wife, Timarie; along with four grandchildren; Greer, Drew, Wade and Chase as well as seven great grandchildren. Bettye loved her family!
There will be a private graveside service for family members and Bettye’s wonderful team of caregivers, for which the Thompson Family is extremely grateful!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Please sign Bettye's tribute page located on this website.
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