Patricia (Goss) Thompson, 82, of Spartanburg, South Carolina passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024.

She was born the only child of the late Manning Wheeler, and the late Mary Elizabeth Goss on October 21, 1941. After graduating from Carver High School in Spartanburg, class of 1959, Patricia married Navy Corpsman William Thompson. Four children were born of that union.

Patricia began her working career on the west coast with Pacific Bell in the 60s. When she returned to Spartanburg in the early 70s, she continued to work for the company at Southern Bell for several years. In 1976, she was accepted by and began to work with the Spartanburg City Police Department, and was the first woman to walk the downtown patrol beat. After starting her new career, she returned to school to continue her education earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Spartanburg Methodist College in 1980. Patricia quickly rose in rank from Sergeant to Lieutenant, and ultimately to Captain. After 20 years, she retired as the highest ranking woman in the Department’s history. She continued to serve the community on various boards and committees such as The Warehouse Teen Center, Spartanburg School District 7, United Way, and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) where her working career ended at age 81.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Stephen and Darryl Thompson. She is survived by her daughter Anita Thompson, son Anthony (Doris) Thompson, cousin Marietta Dillard Newman, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 10:00a.m. in the Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg, SC.