Joan Thompson

Joan Lee Farinholt Thompson passed away after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia on September 30, 2025.
Joan was born in Raleigh, North Carolina in the old Rex hospital on August 27, 1951, to parents Charles “Monk” Farinholt and Anna Belle Skeeter. Joan attended Needham Broughton High School and Meredith College, obtaining a degree in childhood education. She worked under Jim Hunt’s Writing to Read Program, and later in Human Resources with her father at Morris and Associates.
Joan attended Edenton St. United Methodist Church and Western Blvd. Presbyterian Church and was greatly involved in her church communities. Her love for Jesus and passion for serving and helping other was evident to everyone who knew her. Joan was an avid fan of NC State Wolfpack athletics, attending as many games as she could. Joan was most proud of her family. She loved hosting elaborate family holiday celebrations and extended family and friends were never turned away.
In her later years she doted on her grandchildren as they were her pride and joy, they all loved visiting “Neenie”. She was always in the stands and audience for their performances and competitions. She traveled often with her brother Phil Fariholt and his wife Cheryl, who she considered a sister.
She is survived by her brother Phil of Carolina Beach and wife Cheryl, son Jacob of Raleigh and wife Amanda, son Joseph “Jody” of Raleigh and wife Sarah, grandchildren Rebecca, Edward, Jewitt, and John, Niece Natalie of North Topsail her husband Yuri, and great niece Hailey. A special “Thank you” to Marietta, Mary, LaTonya, Anita, Cassandra, LaToya, and Katrina who loved, cared for, and kept her comfortable through the last years and truly became part of the family.

A reception will take place at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Kerr Hall from 2-4 on Oct. 11. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
https://www.lbda.org/donate/