BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash in Botetourt County that left a 39-year-old bicyclist dead.
Investigators said the crash happened Friday at 2:35pm on Route 11, one quarter of a mile from Darby Road.
State Police said an SUV traveling south on Route 11 hit a bicyclist also traveling south on Route 11.
39-year-old Tabitha Leigh Thompson, a registered nurse at Carilion Children's Hospital and a Fincastle bicyclist was on the bicycle. She was hurt in the crash and later died at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
State Police identified the driver of the SUV as Danielle M. Rock. Rock was charged with reckless driving.
The crash remains under investigation.
Source: https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/02/13/bicyclist-killed-in-botetourt-county-crash/ & other websites
**********
We sadly announce the passing of Tabitha (Cooper) Thompson, 39, of Fincastle, VA on February 11th, 2022. Tabitha was tragically killed while riding her bicycle, cross training for the upcoming Blue Ridge Marathon.
Tabitha was born to Forest Perry Jr., "PJ," and the late Denise Cooper in Charleston, WV. A fun-loving, hard-working and vibrant personality from the beginning, Tabitha was an excellent student and champion cheerleader. She graduated from Riverside High School at the top of her class and immediately went on to study nursing at WVU.
After graduating from WVU Nursing School in 2005, again at the top of her class, Tabitha moved to the Roanoke, VA area with the love of her life and future husband, Matt Thompson. She began a career as a neonatal intensive care nurse and worked in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital's NICU for more than 15 years. In addition to her time spent working with and saving premature babies, Tabitha also spent many years as a member of the Neonatal-Pediatric Transport Team.
Tabitha recently graduated (2020) from Duke University with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. After passing her boards, she continued her work with the NICU as a Nurse Practitioner.
In addition to her mom Denise, Tabitha was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Forest Perry and Marvela Kay Cooper. Tabitha is survived by her dad PJ and wife Kelli; her brother Nick and his wife Kari and their two children, Paris and Carson; her maternal grandparents James "Teddy" and Yvonne Huffman; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and colleagues. She is also survived by her best friend, soulmate, and husband of 15 years, Matt, as well her rescue pups, horses, cats, and chickens.
Tabitha's hobbies could fill a book. She and Matt owned Cross View Farm in Fincastle, VA. In addition to being a champion equestrian, she was an experienced marathoner, an avid reader, and talented with a crochet hook. Tabitha enjoyed every minute of her life. She took so much pride in her role as a mentor for nursing students and new NICU nurses. Tabitha also coached, taught, and helped so many friends interested in horses. Matt and Tabitha created an entire series of affordable horse shows for young or less-experienced riders to feel comfortable showing. She never met a stranger and was loved by so many.
Her family has decided to forgo traditional services in favor of planning a celebration of her extraordinary life at a later date. If you are inclined to honor Tabitha in some way, please consider a donation to the Carilion Clinic Foundation dedicated to the NICU, or perhaps donate to or adopt from your local animal shelter, sign up for a 5K, or take on that challenge you've always dreamed of chasing. We couldn't think of a more fitting way to honor Tab and bring some light to this incredibly dark time.
Source: https://regionalobituaries.com/obituary/auto-draft-9342/?fbclid=IwAR2NrnF-uPcF-sgjMeZCmR8p4UHZRdBknFKQwXoemqIlDLPqGWVRb4hAsz8
Rader Funeral Home
630 Roanoke Road
Daleville, VA 24083
540-992-1212
***********
Her profile at the Duke University School of Nursing MSN/Student Success page:
"I decided to become a nurse for the same reason everyone does — to get rich! When you get a message from a parent celebrating the birthday of one of your little miracles, well there is nothing in the world more valuable than that.
I grew up seeing the impact a respected health care provider could have on the community. My mother was a well-known paramedic that served Kanawha County, West Virginia. Seeing the pride my mother had in her job and the appreciation so many shared for her, I always knew I'd be a medical professional. It only took one rotation on a NICU floor as an undergraduate at West Virginia University to decide to dedicate my career to caring for the world's tiniest humans. All the better since at 4'10", my small frame could actually lift these patients.
Over the next 15 years, I continued to gain experience and take on more critical roles. However, my role on the Neonatal Pediatric Transport Team is where I developed many of the specialized skills that have made me so helpful at Carilion Clinic's Children's Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. I serve as a flexible resource for the NICU, PICU, Pediatric, and Neo/Peds Transport units. In addition, I am currently a pediatric clinical instructor at a local community college where I share my love for children and nursing. While these positions contribute to my technical skills, the years I spent as a public school nurse helped me better understand the social aspects of our patients and their guardians. This knowledge helps me better contextualize information and improve communication. I believe this increases the likelihood of families accepting medical guidance and maintaining health long after they leave our facilities.
As fulfilling and demanding as these positions can be, I felt I had even more to offer. I decided to pursue my neonatal nurse practitioner dreams at DUSON! I chose Duke because of its recognition as one of the top nursing schools in the country. But I may have had a little nudge from my husband who graduated from Duke's Fuqua School of Business.
Upon certification, I will remain in Roanoke at the Children's Hospital where I can contribute to progressing the care of our tiny patients. While completing the program, I have been able to utilize the research and knowledge I have gained to assist in implementing a protocol aimed at decreasing the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in the neonate and help improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for our premature infants.
When I look back, it's hard to believe the journey, so I'm excited to see what the next path has in store."
https://nursing.duke.edu/student-success/tabitha-thompson
*********
Words of admiration from her transport team members:
We tragically lost one of our own on Friday, Neo-Peds Transport Nurse Tabitha Thompson. Her clinical skills were exceptional. She was a mentor, an advocate, a giver, and a protector. A triathlete, a horse lover, and an animal rescuer. Friend to MANY and soul mate to ONE: her husband, Matt. She worked hard and played hard. Her spirit was UNBREAKABLE. She lived life to the FULLEST. Her positive energy and adventurous spirit provided INSPIRATION and HOPE to all those who had the blessing to have met her. Like the babies in the NICU, Tabitha was "tiny, but mighty." Rest in peace, Tab. We will take it from here. Life-Guard
#sharetheroad #thatcyclistissomeoneseverything
Life-Guard, Founded in 1981 as the first air medical service in Virginia, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard operates three Airbus EC-135 air medical helicopters covering over 15,000 square miles, and responding to requests throughout Virginia and the bordering states.
431 McClanahan St SW Roanoke, VA 540-981-8731
http://www.carilionclinic.org/ccpt
***********
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Friends and family are remembering the life of a Fincastle woman who they say is gone too soon.
Tabitha Thompson died after she was hit by a car while riding her bike on Lee Highway Friday afternoon.
"You couldn't meet Tabitha and not remember Tabitha," said Jessica Mayorshi, friend.
Wife, friend, nurse, animal lover, triathlete and so much more, Tabitha Thompson did it all.
"How one little person, not only accomplish so much and be so full of life and then just be gone that fast. It was, it's not fair," said Mayorshi.
Friends say Tabitha and her husband Matt were always together.
"She was a wonderful wife. Her and Matt had the best relationship. They were just so pleasant to be around, and they have been together since high school. So even that in and of itself, that's a goal for people," said Mayorshi.
Tabitha also loved animals and children, helping the small but mighty in the NICU at Carilion Children's.
"She had a way to connect with you. Whether it be, the animals or the babies and the children and the nursing or the outdoorsmanship or the athlete. You couldn't not have a conversation with her and she was personable and open and from the time you met her, you were her friend and she treated you that way," said Mayorshi.
She also had an impact on the local running community.
"She just wanted everybody to be active and to start running and she encouraged people who didn't think they could do it," said Robin Lewis, friend.
Tabitha's friends say she touched the lives of so many here in the Roanoke Valley.
"So many of the social media posts that I've read, people that I've never met. Everything from I've known Tabitha since I was a little girl to I met Tabitha last week and they have a post this long about how much of an impact she made," said Mayorshi.
And hope her memory will live on for years to come.
"She couldn't come into your life and not leave a piece of herself because she was just that vibrant," said Mayorshi.
Fleet Feet Roanoke will honor Tabitha at their Pub Run Tuesday night at 6pm at Big Lick Brewing Company.
Tabitha's husband, Matt, is also looking for anyone to share memories.
You can email them to: [email protected]. 2/13/2022
Investigators said the crash happened Friday at 2:35pm on Route 11, one quarter of a mile from Darby Road.
State Police said an SUV traveling south on Route 11 hit a bicyclist also traveling south on Route 11.
39-year-old Tabitha Leigh Thompson, a registered nurse at Carilion Children's Hospital and a Fincastle bicyclist was on the bicycle. She was hurt in the crash and later died at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
State Police identified the driver of the SUV as Danielle M. Rock. Rock was charged with reckless driving.
The crash remains under investigation.
Source: https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/02/13/bicyclist-killed-in-botetourt-county-crash/ & other websites
**********
We sadly announce the passing of Tabitha (Cooper) Thompson, 39, of Fincastle, VA on February 11th, 2022. Tabitha was tragically killed while riding her bicycle, cross training for the upcoming Blue Ridge Marathon.
Tabitha was born to Forest Perry Jr., "PJ," and the late Denise Cooper in Charleston, WV. A fun-loving, hard-working and vibrant personality from the beginning, Tabitha was an excellent student and champion cheerleader. She graduated from Riverside High School at the top of her class and immediately went on to study nursing at WVU.
After graduating from WVU Nursing School in 2005, again at the top of her class, Tabitha moved to the Roanoke, VA area with the love of her life and future husband, Matt Thompson. She began a career as a neonatal intensive care nurse and worked in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital's NICU for more than 15 years. In addition to her time spent working with and saving premature babies, Tabitha also spent many years as a member of the Neonatal-Pediatric Transport Team.
Tabitha recently graduated (2020) from Duke University with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. After passing her boards, she continued her work with the NICU as a Nurse Practitioner.
In addition to her mom Denise, Tabitha was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Forest Perry and Marvela Kay Cooper. Tabitha is survived by her dad PJ and wife Kelli; her brother Nick and his wife Kari and their two children, Paris and Carson; her maternal grandparents James "Teddy" and Yvonne Huffman; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and colleagues. She is also survived by her best friend, soulmate, and husband of 15 years, Matt, as well her rescue pups, horses, cats, and chickens.
Tabitha's hobbies could fill a book. She and Matt owned Cross View Farm in Fincastle, VA. In addition to being a champion equestrian, she was an experienced marathoner, an avid reader, and talented with a crochet hook. Tabitha enjoyed every minute of her life. She took so much pride in her role as a mentor for nursing students and new NICU nurses. Tabitha also coached, taught, and helped so many friends interested in horses. Matt and Tabitha created an entire series of affordable horse shows for young or less-experienced riders to feel comfortable showing. She never met a stranger and was loved by so many.
Her family has decided to forgo traditional services in favor of planning a celebration of her extraordinary life at a later date. If you are inclined to honor Tabitha in some way, please consider a donation to the Carilion Clinic Foundation dedicated to the NICU, or perhaps donate to or adopt from your local animal shelter, sign up for a 5K, or take on that challenge you've always dreamed of chasing. We couldn't think of a more fitting way to honor Tab and bring some light to this incredibly dark time.
Source: https://regionalobituaries.com/obituary/auto-draft-9342/?fbclid=IwAR2NrnF-uPcF-sgjMeZCmR8p4UHZRdBknFKQwXoemqIlDLPqGWVRb4hAsz8
Rader Funeral Home
630 Roanoke Road
Daleville, VA 24083
540-992-1212
***********
Her profile at the Duke University School of Nursing MSN/Student Success page:
"I decided to become a nurse for the same reason everyone does — to get rich! When you get a message from a parent celebrating the birthday of one of your little miracles, well there is nothing in the world more valuable than that.
I grew up seeing the impact a respected health care provider could have on the community. My mother was a well-known paramedic that served Kanawha County, West Virginia. Seeing the pride my mother had in her job and the appreciation so many shared for her, I always knew I'd be a medical professional. It only took one rotation on a NICU floor as an undergraduate at West Virginia University to decide to dedicate my career to caring for the world's tiniest humans. All the better since at 4'10", my small frame could actually lift these patients.
Over the next 15 years, I continued to gain experience and take on more critical roles. However, my role on the Neonatal Pediatric Transport Team is where I developed many of the specialized skills that have made me so helpful at Carilion Clinic's Children's Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. I serve as a flexible resource for the NICU, PICU, Pediatric, and Neo/Peds Transport units. In addition, I am currently a pediatric clinical instructor at a local community college where I share my love for children and nursing. While these positions contribute to my technical skills, the years I spent as a public school nurse helped me better understand the social aspects of our patients and their guardians. This knowledge helps me better contextualize information and improve communication. I believe this increases the likelihood of families accepting medical guidance and maintaining health long after they leave our facilities.
As fulfilling and demanding as these positions can be, I felt I had even more to offer. I decided to pursue my neonatal nurse practitioner dreams at DUSON! I chose Duke because of its recognition as one of the top nursing schools in the country. But I may have had a little nudge from my husband who graduated from Duke's Fuqua School of Business.
Upon certification, I will remain in Roanoke at the Children's Hospital where I can contribute to progressing the care of our tiny patients. While completing the program, I have been able to utilize the research and knowledge I have gained to assist in implementing a protocol aimed at decreasing the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in the neonate and help improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for our premature infants.
When I look back, it's hard to believe the journey, so I'm excited to see what the next path has in store."
https://nursing.duke.edu/student-success/tabitha-thompson
*********
Words of admiration from her transport team members:
We tragically lost one of our own on Friday, Neo-Peds Transport Nurse Tabitha Thompson. Her clinical skills were exceptional. She was a mentor, an advocate, a giver, and a protector. A triathlete, a horse lover, and an animal rescuer. Friend to MANY and soul mate to ONE: her husband, Matt. She worked hard and played hard. Her spirit was UNBREAKABLE. She lived life to the FULLEST. Her positive energy and adventurous spirit provided INSPIRATION and HOPE to all those who had the blessing to have met her. Like the babies in the NICU, Tabitha was "tiny, but mighty." Rest in peace, Tab. We will take it from here. Life-Guard
#sharetheroad #thatcyclistissomeoneseverything
Life-Guard, Founded in 1981 as the first air medical service in Virginia, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard operates three Airbus EC-135 air medical helicopters covering over 15,000 square miles, and responding to requests throughout Virginia and the bordering states.
431 McClanahan St SW Roanoke, VA 540-981-8731
http://www.carilionclinic.org/ccpt
***********
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Friends and family are remembering the life of a Fincastle woman who they say is gone too soon.
Tabitha Thompson died after she was hit by a car while riding her bike on Lee Highway Friday afternoon.
"You couldn't meet Tabitha and not remember Tabitha," said Jessica Mayorshi, friend.
Wife, friend, nurse, animal lover, triathlete and so much more, Tabitha Thompson did it all.
"How one little person, not only accomplish so much and be so full of life and then just be gone that fast. It was, it's not fair," said Mayorshi.
Friends say Tabitha and her husband Matt were always together.
"She was a wonderful wife. Her and Matt had the best relationship. They were just so pleasant to be around, and they have been together since high school. So even that in and of itself, that's a goal for people," said Mayorshi.
Tabitha also loved animals and children, helping the small but mighty in the NICU at Carilion Children's.
"She had a way to connect with you. Whether it be, the animals or the babies and the children and the nursing or the outdoorsmanship or the athlete. You couldn't not have a conversation with her and she was personable and open and from the time you met her, you were her friend and she treated you that way," said Mayorshi.
She also had an impact on the local running community.
"She just wanted everybody to be active and to start running and she encouraged people who didn't think they could do it," said Robin Lewis, friend.
Tabitha's friends say she touched the lives of so many here in the Roanoke Valley.
"So many of the social media posts that I've read, people that I've never met. Everything from I've known Tabitha since I was a little girl to I met Tabitha last week and they have a post this long about how much of an impact she made," said Mayorshi.
And hope her memory will live on for years to come.
"She couldn't come into your life and not leave a piece of herself because she was just that vibrant," said Mayorshi.
Fleet Feet Roanoke will honor Tabitha at their Pub Run Tuesday night at 6pm at Big Lick Brewing Company.
Tabitha's husband, Matt, is also looking for anyone to share memories.
You can email them to: [email protected]. 2/13/2022
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash in Botetourt County that left a 39-year-old bicyclist dead.
Investigators said the crash happened Friday at 2:35pm on Route 11, one quarter of a mile from Darby Road.
State Police said an SUV traveling south on Route 11 hit a bicyclist also traveling south on Route 11.
39-year-old Tabitha Leigh Thompson, a registered nurse at Carilion Children's Hospital and a Fincastle bicyclist was on the bicycle. She was hurt in the crash and later died at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
State Police identified the driver of the SUV as Danielle M. Rock. Rock was charged with reckless driving.
The crash remains under investigation.
Source: https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/02/13/bicyclist-killed-in-botetourt-county-crash/ & other websites
**********
We sadly announce the passing of Tabitha (Cooper) Thompson, 39, of Fincastle, VA on February 11th, 2022. Tabitha was tragically killed while riding her bicycle, cross training for the upcoming Blue Ridge Marathon.
Tabitha was born to Forest Perry Jr., "PJ," and the late Denise Cooper in Charleston, WV. A fun-loving, hard-working and vibrant personality from the beginning, Tabitha was an excellent student and champion cheerleader. She graduated from Riverside High School at the top of her class and immediately went on to study nursing at WVU.
After graduating from WVU Nursing School in 2005, again at the top of her class, Tabitha moved to the Roanoke, VA area with the love of her life and future husband, Matt Thompson. She began a career as a neonatal intensive care nurse and worked in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital's NICU for more than 15 years. In addition to her time spent working with and saving premature babies, Tabitha also spent many years as a member of the Neonatal-Pediatric Transport Team.
Tabitha recently graduated (2020) from Duke University with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. After passing her boards, she continued her work with the NICU as a Nurse Practitioner.
In addition to her mom Denise, Tabitha was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Forest Perry and Marvela Kay Cooper. Tabitha is survived by her dad PJ and wife Kelli; her brother Nick and his wife Kari and their two children, Paris and Carson; her maternal grandparents James "Teddy" and Yvonne Huffman; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and colleagues. She is also survived by her best friend, soulmate, and husband of 15 years, Matt, as well her rescue pups, horses, cats, and chickens.
Tabitha's hobbies could fill a book. She and Matt owned Cross View Farm in Fincastle, VA. In addition to being a champion equestrian, she was an experienced marathoner, an avid reader, and talented with a crochet hook. Tabitha enjoyed every minute of her life. She took so much pride in her role as a mentor for nursing students and new NICU nurses. Tabitha also coached, taught, and helped so many friends interested in horses. Matt and Tabitha created an entire series of affordable horse shows for young or less-experienced riders to feel comfortable showing. She never met a stranger and was loved by so many.
Her family has decided to forgo traditional services in favor of planning a celebration of her extraordinary life at a later date. If you are inclined to honor Tabitha in some way, please consider a donation to the Carilion Clinic Foundation dedicated to the NICU, or perhaps donate to or adopt from your local animal shelter, sign up for a 5K, or take on that challenge you've always dreamed of chasing. We couldn't think of a more fitting way to honor Tab and bring some light to this incredibly dark time.
Source: https://regionalobituaries.com/obituary/auto-draft-9342/?fbclid=IwAR2NrnF-uPcF-sgjMeZCmR8p4UHZRdBknFKQwXoemqIlDLPqGWVRb4hAsz8
Rader Funeral Home
630 Roanoke Road
Daleville, VA 24083
540-992-1212
***********
Her profile at the Duke University School of Nursing MSN/Student Success page:
"I decided to become a nurse for the same reason everyone does — to get rich! When you get a message from a parent celebrating the birthday of one of your little miracles, well there is nothing in the world more valuable than that.
I grew up seeing the impact a respected health care provider could have on the community. My mother was a well-known paramedic that served Kanawha County, West Virginia. Seeing the pride my mother had in her job and the appreciation so many shared for her, I always knew I'd be a medical professional. It only took one rotation on a NICU floor as an undergraduate at West Virginia University to decide to dedicate my career to caring for the world's tiniest humans. All the better since at 4'10", my small frame could actually lift these patients.
Over the next 15 years, I continued to gain experience and take on more critical roles. However, my role on the Neonatal Pediatric Transport Team is where I developed many of the specialized skills that have made me so helpful at Carilion Clinic's Children's Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. I serve as a flexible resource for the NICU, PICU, Pediatric, and Neo/Peds Transport units. In addition, I am currently a pediatric clinical instructor at a local community college where I share my love for children and nursing. While these positions contribute to my technical skills, the years I spent as a public school nurse helped me better understand the social aspects of our patients and their guardians. This knowledge helps me better contextualize information and improve communication. I believe this increases the likelihood of families accepting medical guidance and maintaining health long after they leave our facilities.
As fulfilling and demanding as these positions can be, I felt I had even more to offer. I decided to pursue my neonatal nurse practitioner dreams at DUSON! I chose Duke because of its recognition as one of the top nursing schools in the country. But I may have had a little nudge from my husband who graduated from Duke's Fuqua School of Business.
Upon certification, I will remain in Roanoke at the Children's Hospital where I can contribute to progressing the care of our tiny patients. While completing the program, I have been able to utilize the research and knowledge I have gained to assist in implementing a protocol aimed at decreasing the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in the neonate and help improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for our premature infants.
When I look back, it's hard to believe the journey, so I'm excited to see what the next path has in store."
https://nursing.duke.edu/student-success/tabitha-thompson
*********
Words of admiration from her transport team members:
We tragically lost one of our own on Friday, Neo-Peds Transport Nurse Tabitha Thompson. Her clinical skills were exceptional. She was a mentor, an advocate, a giver, and a protector. A triathlete, a horse lover, and an animal rescuer. Friend to MANY and soul mate to ONE: her husband, Matt. She worked hard and played hard. Her spirit was UNBREAKABLE. She lived life to the FULLEST. Her positive energy and adventurous spirit provided INSPIRATION and HOPE to all those who had the blessing to have met her. Like the babies in the NICU, Tabitha was "tiny, but mighty." Rest in peace, Tab. We will take it from here. Life-Guard
#sharetheroad #thatcyclistissomeoneseverything
Life-Guard, Founded in 1981 as the first air medical service in Virginia, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard operates three Airbus EC-135 air medical helicopters covering over 15,000 square miles, and responding to requests throughout Virginia and the bordering states.
431 McClanahan St SW Roanoke, VA 540-981-8731
http://www.carilionclinic.org/ccpt
***********
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Friends and family are remembering the life of a Fincastle woman who they say is gone too soon.
Tabitha Thompson died after she was hit by a car while riding her bike on Lee Highway Friday afternoon.
"You couldn't meet Tabitha and not remember Tabitha," said Jessica Mayorshi, friend.
Wife, friend, nurse, animal lover, triathlete and so much more, Tabitha Thompson did it all.
"How one little person, not only accomplish so much and be so full of life and then just be gone that fast. It was, it's not fair," said Mayorshi.
Friends say Tabitha and her husband Matt were always together.
"She was a wonderful wife. Her and Matt had the best relationship. They were just so pleasant to be around, and they have been together since high school. So even that in and of itself, that's a goal for people," said Mayorshi.
Tabitha also loved animals and children, helping the small but mighty in the NICU at Carilion Children's.
"She had a way to connect with you. Whether it be, the animals or the babies and the children and the nursing or the outdoorsmanship or the athlete. You couldn't not have a conversation with her and she was personable and open and from the time you met her, you were her friend and she treated you that way," said Mayorshi.
She also had an impact on the local running community.
"She just wanted everybody to be active and to start running and she encouraged people who didn't think they could do it," said Robin Lewis, friend.
Tabitha's friends say she touched the lives of so many here in the Roanoke Valley.
"So many of the social media posts that I've read, people that I've never met. Everything from I've known Tabitha since I was a little girl to I met Tabitha last week and they have a post this long about how much of an impact she made," said Mayorshi.
And hope her memory will live on for years to come.
"She couldn't come into your life and not leave a piece of herself because she was just that vibrant," said Mayorshi.
Fleet Feet Roanoke will honor Tabitha at their Pub Run Tuesday night at 6pm at Big Lick Brewing Company.
Tabitha's husband, Matt, is also looking for anyone to share memories.
You can email them to: [email protected]. 2/13/2022
Investigators said the crash happened Friday at 2:35pm on Route 11, one quarter of a mile from Darby Road.
State Police said an SUV traveling south on Route 11 hit a bicyclist also traveling south on Route 11.
39-year-old Tabitha Leigh Thompson, a registered nurse at Carilion Children's Hospital and a Fincastle bicyclist was on the bicycle. She was hurt in the crash and later died at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
State Police identified the driver of the SUV as Danielle M. Rock. Rock was charged with reckless driving.
The crash remains under investigation.
Source: https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/02/13/bicyclist-killed-in-botetourt-county-crash/ & other websites
**********
We sadly announce the passing of Tabitha (Cooper) Thompson, 39, of Fincastle, VA on February 11th, 2022. Tabitha was tragically killed while riding her bicycle, cross training for the upcoming Blue Ridge Marathon.
Tabitha was born to Forest Perry Jr., "PJ," and the late Denise Cooper in Charleston, WV. A fun-loving, hard-working and vibrant personality from the beginning, Tabitha was an excellent student and champion cheerleader. She graduated from Riverside High School at the top of her class and immediately went on to study nursing at WVU.
After graduating from WVU Nursing School in 2005, again at the top of her class, Tabitha moved to the Roanoke, VA area with the love of her life and future husband, Matt Thompson. She began a career as a neonatal intensive care nurse and worked in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital's NICU for more than 15 years. In addition to her time spent working with and saving premature babies, Tabitha also spent many years as a member of the Neonatal-Pediatric Transport Team.
Tabitha recently graduated (2020) from Duke University with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. After passing her boards, she continued her work with the NICU as a Nurse Practitioner.
In addition to her mom Denise, Tabitha was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Forest Perry and Marvela Kay Cooper. Tabitha is survived by her dad PJ and wife Kelli; her brother Nick and his wife Kari and their two children, Paris and Carson; her maternal grandparents James "Teddy" and Yvonne Huffman; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and colleagues. She is also survived by her best friend, soulmate, and husband of 15 years, Matt, as well her rescue pups, horses, cats, and chickens.
Tabitha's hobbies could fill a book. She and Matt owned Cross View Farm in Fincastle, VA. In addition to being a champion equestrian, she was an experienced marathoner, an avid reader, and talented with a crochet hook. Tabitha enjoyed every minute of her life. She took so much pride in her role as a mentor for nursing students and new NICU nurses. Tabitha also coached, taught, and helped so many friends interested in horses. Matt and Tabitha created an entire series of affordable horse shows for young or less-experienced riders to feel comfortable showing. She never met a stranger and was loved by so many.
Her family has decided to forgo traditional services in favor of planning a celebration of her extraordinary life at a later date. If you are inclined to honor Tabitha in some way, please consider a donation to the Carilion Clinic Foundation dedicated to the NICU, or perhaps donate to or adopt from your local animal shelter, sign up for a 5K, or take on that challenge you've always dreamed of chasing. We couldn't think of a more fitting way to honor Tab and bring some light to this incredibly dark time.
Source: https://regionalobituaries.com/obituary/auto-draft-9342/?fbclid=IwAR2NrnF-uPcF-sgjMeZCmR8p4UHZRdBknFKQwXoemqIlDLPqGWVRb4hAsz8
Rader Funeral Home
630 Roanoke Road
Daleville, VA 24083
540-992-1212
***********
Her profile at the Duke University School of Nursing MSN/Student Success page:
"I decided to become a nurse for the same reason everyone does — to get rich! When you get a message from a parent celebrating the birthday of one of your little miracles, well there is nothing in the world more valuable than that.
I grew up seeing the impact a respected health care provider could have on the community. My mother was a well-known paramedic that served Kanawha County, West Virginia. Seeing the pride my mother had in her job and the appreciation so many shared for her, I always knew I'd be a medical professional. It only took one rotation on a NICU floor as an undergraduate at West Virginia University to decide to dedicate my career to caring for the world's tiniest humans. All the better since at 4'10", my small frame could actually lift these patients.
Over the next 15 years, I continued to gain experience and take on more critical roles. However, my role on the Neonatal Pediatric Transport Team is where I developed many of the specialized skills that have made me so helpful at Carilion Clinic's Children's Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. I serve as a flexible resource for the NICU, PICU, Pediatric, and Neo/Peds Transport units. In addition, I am currently a pediatric clinical instructor at a local community college where I share my love for children and nursing. While these positions contribute to my technical skills, the years I spent as a public school nurse helped me better understand the social aspects of our patients and their guardians. This knowledge helps me better contextualize information and improve communication. I believe this increases the likelihood of families accepting medical guidance and maintaining health long after they leave our facilities.
As fulfilling and demanding as these positions can be, I felt I had even more to offer. I decided to pursue my neonatal nurse practitioner dreams at DUSON! I chose Duke because of its recognition as one of the top nursing schools in the country. But I may have had a little nudge from my husband who graduated from Duke's Fuqua School of Business.
Upon certification, I will remain in Roanoke at the Children's Hospital where I can contribute to progressing the care of our tiny patients. While completing the program, I have been able to utilize the research and knowledge I have gained to assist in implementing a protocol aimed at decreasing the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in the neonate and help improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for our premature infants.
When I look back, it's hard to believe the journey, so I'm excited to see what the next path has in store."
https://nursing.duke.edu/student-success/tabitha-thompson
*********
Words of admiration from her transport team members:
We tragically lost one of our own on Friday, Neo-Peds Transport Nurse Tabitha Thompson. Her clinical skills were exceptional. She was a mentor, an advocate, a giver, and a protector. A triathlete, a horse lover, and an animal rescuer. Friend to MANY and soul mate to ONE: her husband, Matt. She worked hard and played hard. Her spirit was UNBREAKABLE. She lived life to the FULLEST. Her positive energy and adventurous spirit provided INSPIRATION and HOPE to all those who had the blessing to have met her. Like the babies in the NICU, Tabitha was "tiny, but mighty." Rest in peace, Tab. We will take it from here. Life-Guard
#sharetheroad #thatcyclistissomeoneseverything
Life-Guard, Founded in 1981 as the first air medical service in Virginia, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard operates three Airbus EC-135 air medical helicopters covering over 15,000 square miles, and responding to requests throughout Virginia and the bordering states.
431 McClanahan St SW Roanoke, VA 540-981-8731
http://www.carilionclinic.org/ccpt
***********
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Friends and family are remembering the life of a Fincastle woman who they say is gone too soon.
Tabitha Thompson died after she was hit by a car while riding her bike on Lee Highway Friday afternoon.
"You couldn't meet Tabitha and not remember Tabitha," said Jessica Mayorshi, friend.
Wife, friend, nurse, animal lover, triathlete and so much more, Tabitha Thompson did it all.
"How one little person, not only accomplish so much and be so full of life and then just be gone that fast. It was, it's not fair," said Mayorshi.
Friends say Tabitha and her husband Matt were always together.
"She was a wonderful wife. Her and Matt had the best relationship. They were just so pleasant to be around, and they have been together since high school. So even that in and of itself, that's a goal for people," said Mayorshi.
Tabitha also loved animals and children, helping the small but mighty in the NICU at Carilion Children's.
"She had a way to connect with you. Whether it be, the animals or the babies and the children and the nursing or the outdoorsmanship or the athlete. You couldn't not have a conversation with her and she was personable and open and from the time you met her, you were her friend and she treated you that way," said Mayorshi.
She also had an impact on the local running community.
"She just wanted everybody to be active and to start running and she encouraged people who didn't think they could do it," said Robin Lewis, friend.
Tabitha's friends say she touched the lives of so many here in the Roanoke Valley.
"So many of the social media posts that I've read, people that I've never met. Everything from I've known Tabitha since I was a little girl to I met Tabitha last week and they have a post this long about how much of an impact she made," said Mayorshi.
And hope her memory will live on for years to come.
"She couldn't come into your life and not leave a piece of herself because she was just that vibrant," said Mayorshi.
Fleet Feet Roanoke will honor Tabitha at their Pub Run Tuesday night at 6pm at Big Lick Brewing Company.
Tabitha's husband, Matt, is also looking for anyone to share memories.
You can email them to: [email protected]. 2/13/2022
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
