Barbara Thompson

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

As a former ward activities committee chair, Barbara Thompson is more comfortable wearing jeans and putting together hygiene kits than as a member of the Relief Society general presidency. But she’s grateful for her new calling as second counselor in that presidency.

Having also served as a missionary in the Germany Hamburg Mission, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Young Women camp director, Laurel and Beehive adviser, ward Young Women president, ward Relief Society counselor, and Relief Society general board member, Sister Thompson believes that “when sisters have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, they are moved to action.”

Born to W. Peter and Fern Rymer Thompson on June 13, 1952, in San Luis Obispo, California, Sister Thompson and her family later moved to Granger, Utah. She has always loved sports and camping, but her favorite pastime is visiting with friends and family.

With a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah, Sister Thompson worked for the Utah Department of Human Services for 30 years. Since retiring, she has served as executive director of an international organization that serves abused and neglected children.

Although she has never married or had children of her own, Sister Thompson says, “I have borrowed family members and friends, and I’ve always had a lot of support from the sisters of this Church.”

She sees her new role as being supportive of Sister Beck. “I want to lift her up in her calling.”

Sister Thompson looks forward to hearing the testimonies of members throughout the world as she serves. Her message to her Relief Society sisters is: “Love the Lord. Come unto Christ with your whole heart. Women face incredible challenges, but when we rely on the gospel and the sisterhood we have in Relief Society, our burdens will be lighter.”