Barbara Thompson (Mormon)
Quick Facts
Biography
Barbara Thompson (born June 13, 1952) was a member of the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 2007 to 2012.
Early life
Thompson was born in San Luis Obispo, California, to W. Peter and Fern Rymer Thompson. The family later moved to Granger, Utah. Thompson received a bachelor's degree in social work from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in social work from the University of Utah.
Secular work
Thompson worked for the Utah Department of Human Services for 30 years. After retiring, she served as the executive director of The Christmas Box International, an international organization that serves abused and/or neglected children.
LDS Church service
Thompson served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Germany Hamburg Mission. Thompson has served as a ward activities committee chair, gospel doctrine teacher, Young Women camp director, Laurel and Beehive advisor, ward Young Women president, ward Relief Society counselor, and Relief Society general board member. Thompson believes that “when sisters have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, they are moved to action.” On March 31, 2007, during the church's general conference, Thompson was accepted by the church as the second counselor to Julie B. Beck in the general presidency of the Relief Society. Beck and her counselors were released in March 2012.
Thompson was the second unmarried woman to serve as a member of the Relief Society general presidency, after Sheri L. Dew, who was second counselor to Mary Ellen W. Smoot from 1997 to 2002.