Kaylene Thompson

CONCORD- Kaylene Whitaker Thompson, better known as “KK” by those she loved, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, May 10th, 2024, at Wilkinson Funeral Home of Concord. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at Harmony Church Concord (101 White St.) with Rev. Andi Conder and Rev. Tina Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Kaylene was born May 2, 1943 to the late Hoyle and Elizabeth Canupp Whitaker. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Kaylene began her teaching career as a Teacher’s Assistant for 20 years. Her growing love of teaching lead her to complete her teaching degree while balancing a very full life. She went on to teach a classroom at Wolf Meadow Elementary School for 12 years.

Kaylene was a lifelong member of Harmony United Methodist Church where she actively and wholeheartedly served her church family and surrounding community in various ministries including the United Methodist Women, Choir, Bible Study leader, Meals-On-Wheels volunteer, home and hospital visitation, and as Associate Charge Lay Leader of the Metro District in the Western NC United Methodist Conference.

Because of her love for children and their education, she founded the School Tools Program at Harmony United Methodist Church to serve her community. She wanted to afford every child the opportunity to have proper materials to start a successful school year. She went on to create a tutoring program to further help countless local students reach their full potential.

During retirement, when she wasn’t serving her community, she traveled the country with her husband and 4 of their closest friends. The rest of the time she could be found at their beach house with family and those she loved.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth “Ken” Thompson and her three daughters, Beth Neal, Kim Suther, Jennifer Luke and husband Marcus, and her sister Becky Merritt. Her legacy of love continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

Memorials may be made to Harmony Church Concord, 406 Union Cemetery Rd. SW, Concord NC 28027.