Stacey Kristine Thompson

(May 25, 1970- May 16, 2026)

Some people leave an impression because of what they accomplished. Others because of how deeply they cared. Stacey managed to do both.

Stacey Kristine Thompson passed away on May 16, 2026, shortly before her 56th birthday, leaving behind a family, friends, colleagues, students, and countless animals whose lives were better because she cared for them.

From an early age, she shared a profound connection with animals-especially horses. Her love of horses began in childhood and quickly became a lifelong passion. As a young rider, she earned numerous awards in competition, but the accolades were secondary to the bond she formed with the animals she loved. Horses were never simply a hobby to her. They were companions, teachers, and a source of peace, joy, and purpose. That connection remained a defining part of her life. In later years,

she continued to surround herself with horses and the many animals that found their way into her care.

Her compassion extended far beyond her own animals. She had an open home and an open heart for any creature that crossed her path. Whether offering shelter, care, or simply understanding, she possessed a rare ability to connect with animals in a way that seemed almost effortless. They trusted her, and she never let them down.

She was also exceptionally intelligent and endlessly curious. A lifelong reader with an extraordinary memory, she immersed herself in books, especially history, and seemed to retain every fascinating detail she encountered. She could discuss nearly any subject with depth and insight, often leaving others amazed not only by what she knew, but by how much she remembered. Learning was never something she finished. It was simply how she moved through the world.

That love of learning was evident throughout her life. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in clinical psychology and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice.

She worked as a Special Agent in federal law enforcement and recently retired from federal service. She also served as an adjunct professor, as teaching was what she was most drawn to. Her latest goal was to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her mind would simply not allow her to stop learning.

But more than any accomplishment, her greatest joy was her family.

She was the proud mother of two sons, Joshua and Ty. She took great pride in the people they were becoming and loved sharing stories about them. She was especially proud of Joshua for becoming such a great teacher and for the caring and compassionate person he had become.

She treasured the time she spent with Ty. Some of her favorite memories came from the annual trips they took together to watch the Houston Astros play in ballparks across the country. Over the years they visited seven different stadiums and she often spoke of their shared adventures.

Recently she reconnected with a very special person from her past. More than 30 years after they first met, she and Adam were making plans to marry and a new happy ever after was about to begin. Their time together brought her great happiness and those who loved her were grateful to see her enjoying this chapter in her life.

Along with her sons, she leaves behind her parents, Sonny and Luci, her sister Jennifer, her nephew Bodhi, Adam and his family and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues. She also leaves behind her very special and cherished family of rescue dogs and cats in the home she so loved.

Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but her example endures-in every act of kindness shown to an animal, every pursuit of knowledge, every lesson shared, and every life touched by her generosity and strength.

In her honor, read one more chapter, learn something new, spend time with the animals you love, and leave your door open a little wider for those who need care and compassion. She did, every day.