Ann Kesner Thompson
Ann Kesner Thompson was born in Delhi, Louisiana on October 8, 1946 to Winifred Kingsberry Kesner and Dwight Paul Kesner.
Ann graduated from Beaumont High School and was a member of Beaumont’s prestigious singing group, the Melody Maids. She attended the University of Houston where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Early in her career she worked for TRW, a contractor at NASA in Clear Lake. She was very involved in the Gemini and Apollo programs and was in daily contact with member of mission control and the original astronauts. While there, she met her beloved Charles Thompson and they were married in 1976. As the space program evolved, the couple relocated and established a home in Beaumont where Ann became Vice President of Precision Tune. Her many responsibilities included advertising and marketing and she traveled extensively promoting the company until its sale in 1987. Thereafter, she used her knowledge and experience in support of the many worthy causes she championed.
She loved animals and was an ardent supporter of the Humane Society as well as putting her passion to practical use rescuing abused and neglected animals and providing a home for numerous cats both long and short term. She was active in the American Heart Association and also served for ten years as a board member for The Shorkey Center. In recent years, she focused primarily on Trinity United Methodist Church and the Triangle AIDS Network. In 2010, TAN designated her as winner of the Red Ribbon Hero Award. She was chosen for what was described as “her untiring efforts on behalf of persons living with HIV/AIDS.” The award was presented at the “Paint the Town Red: Shaken, Not Stirred” event which is the nonprofit agency’s largest source of private funding. In presenting the award, the group saluted her seventeen years of service stating: “Ann Thompson has graced our event with a steady hand and a sense of elegance, lending a determination of purpose – and a touch of class.”
“Class” was a word frequently used in reference to Ann whose perfectly coiffed hair, elegantly understated style and calm demeanor complimented her sharp wit, analytical skills, and ability to act quickly and decisively. Her public charitable activities were accompanied by an enormous penchant for giving to friends and acquaintances. Ann remembered birthdays and anniversaries and took every opportunity for random acts of generosity and kindness that were delivered with a casual air and an impish smile. Ann loved to give and she did it beautifully.
Ann provided much needed support to the arts and spearheaded two extremely successful fund-raisers for the Beaumont Community Players. She was the driving force behind “Tastes Like Chicken” which was a “one night only” smash hit featuring blue grass music. In 2018, she chaired “Betty’s Bash” that honored her friend and neighbor, Betty Greenberg, on her 90thbirthday and supported the theatre’s building fund.
She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Charles Thompson, several nieces and nephews who adored her, and innumerable friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Friday, June 7, 2019 in the Nita McKnight Parlor at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Street in Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Ave, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or the charity of your choice.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955 pine st beaumont tx 77703
- 3430 harrison ave beaumont tx 77706
- 06/07/2019
- 10:08 pm
Comments
MaryLynnNeill ( VanZandt)
My family knew Ann & her mom for years- she attended my birthday parties,& I’ll post the 6th year picture....she’s smiling,we’re laughing after she commented about our hand- holding group. Will treasure her friendship always- she’s going to be missed.Thank you,Ann...
Debby & JIM Mary
Charlie, we were so very saddened to here about Ann”s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Your neighbor and friend, Debby and Jim Mary
Debby & JIM Mary
Charlie, we were so very saddened to here about Ann”s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Your neighbor and friend, Debby and Jim Mary
Susan Oliver
It was an honour to have known Ann. I will always love Ann and Charlie.
Margaret Olona Koncaba
My condolences to the family. Ann used to come meet some ladies for lunch at The Pig Stand where I used to manage. She was such a lovely lady and so pleasant. May she rest in peace. I will be praying for the family.
Sandra Pugh
What a lady!!! We will miss you Ann Thompson. You are truly loved and admired. She was an animal advocate..we bonded over our love for animals. I remember the funny stories. May you rest in peace. Sandra
Paula Bothe
I am broken hearted at the loss of our Annie. She was one of a kind. Today I am sure she is with our friends Terry Bourdier and Tom Broussard and they are entertaining her with blue grass music. The ladies who celebrated so many birthdays with her will miss her but be happy in the knowledge that she is with our friends and at peace. In my many treasured gifts from Ann is a framed needlework that reads, "God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into the nest." The greatest gift she gave me was her friendship. I will treasure that always.
Lewise Lucaire
Ann was one of my dearest friends....having met her in Kindergarten, she was from that day a wonderful friend to me. Many, many wonderful memories together growing up, lots of spending the night at her house, with her wonderful mother and grandmother, and over the years, staying in touch and getting together on an annual basis when I was able to get down to Texas. I will miss her hilarious stories and jokes, her warm and friendly personality and her deeply kind nature. She will be very sorely missed. I loved her and I will always remember her.
Chuck Mabry
Ann attended the BHS class of 65 reunion 4 years ago. She was walking down Thomas Rd towards the afternoon get-together at the Hoffers and McSpaddins, and I was about a half a block behind. Now, we have all changed a "bit" in 50 years (thank goodness for name tags!), but there was no doubt in my mind who was ahead of me. What an elegant lady.
Mary Munro
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Ann was always smiling and always so elegant in every way. Sad loss.
Nancy and Bill Hale
Ann and I were Delta Gamma sisters and participated in the alum group Here in Beaumont. She was always so gracious and caring to those she met. Charlie, our prayers are with you in this sad time. Ann will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her.
Carolyn Oster
Charlie, I am so, so sorry for your loss. The Ann I knew was a very gracious, kind-hearted, and classy lady. I know she left a void in many people's heart with her passing. I always enjoyed my little visits when we crossed paths. I had so much admiration for that sweet lady.
Don Hood
Ann was a very elegant lady, and my prayers to her family.
Rette Browning
So sorry to hear of Ann's passing. Such a great person in her caring of others.