Karol Thompson Obituary (1938 - 2025) - Beaufort, South Carolina

Karol M. Thompson, 86, of Beaufort, SC died peacefully on March 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Karol was born on July 10, 1938, in Fort Myers, FL, the daughter of the late Carlton A. and Edwenea (Hendry) Thompson. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Carlton A. Thompson Jr. She is survived by her wife, Ursula Aumannn, and many loving friends and former students. Karol was a 5th generation Floridian whose family raised cattle along the old Tamiami Trail. She spoke often of the overnight camps set up for cattle herding and the experience of being a child amidst seasoned cowhands. Karol actualized these early roots of adventure in the study of arts and humanities at Florida State, Tallahassee, where she received a BA degree, followed by a Master in Arts degree received from The American University in Washington DC. Karol’s career was devoted to teaching high school art, which she did for 38 years with untiring dedication to her students. Her congressman stated, “Karol has nurtured, cajoled, challenged, demanded and dared her students to be the best. “This is America’s greatest investment in its future…” Typical of Karol’s inimitable and indomitable character, she fought for teacher’s rights and decent wages in the schools where she taught. And, in concert with her fierce principles, she worked to uplift students in underserved communities, encouraging their pursuit of art and creating opportunities to advance their talents. She had a tenacious sense of purpose in recognizing injustice and rising to the defense of the defenseless. Her many years of dedicated service at Suitland High School, Maryland, resulted in the creation of the Suitland Center for the Arts, a magnet project which was the first of its kind in the state. Karol’s love of the humanities led her to pursue a doctorate at Penn State culminating in an esoteric dissertation only she could understand, on “Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit.” In 1988, her dedication as a teacher was recognized by the Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award. Karol was an accomplished artist with many exhibitions throughout the East Coast. Karol was revered and beloved by the hundreds of students she taught. Karol continued to be followed by hundreds of former students who shared her interests and still seek her advice. Karol leaves behind her devoted wife of 28 years, Ursula (“Uschi”) Aumann. Karol always proclaimed that Uschi was her dearest love in life and praised her constant devotion and steadfast affection. To Karol, Uschi was the fulfillment of “I ask you to pass through life at my side, to be my second self and best earthly companion…” At Uschi’s inspiration, the two settled in Habersham, South Carolina, 10 years ago. It was Karol’s happiest home, and she loved becoming immersed in the community, celebrating her new and loving friends. Karol’s life voyage leaves a wake of loving friends from every aspect of her life. There is NO ONE like “Karol with a K” or “Doc Thompson”, and her life has left a lasting imprint on the lives of so many who were fortunate to be in her orbit, and to be deemed a friend. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. We will miss her immensely. A celebration of life memorial is planned for May. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Friends of Caroline Hospice, 329 Friends Lane, Ridgeland, South Carolina.