Joanne Mary Tompkins
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      Joanne Mary Tompkins

      May 21, 2026

      Joanne Mary Tompkins, age 69, of Nags Head, NC passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026 surrounded by family. She was born on August 12, 1956 in Darby, PA to Joan and Jack Gordon.

      Joanne grew up in West Chester, PA and attended Henderson High School. From an early age, she was known for her compassion and adventurous spirit, approaching life in a way that was uniquely her own.She attended College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA, where she earned her associate’s degree in nursing and graduated at the top of her class.

      Joanne spent most of her career as a Director of Nursing, specializing in geriatric care facilities. Later in her career she moved to hospice nursing, wanting to get closer to the patients and care that led her to a career in nursing. She was known for her compassionate, authentic bedside manner, and for helping both her patients and their loved ones navigate deeply personal and sad life events.

      She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Joanne cared deeply for her family. She was creative and artistic, enjoyed entertaining, cooking for her family and friends, and had a special love for reading. Some of her happiest moments were spent traveling to the Florida Keys, singing and dancing at Jimmy Buffet concerts, and laughing and reminiscing with her family.

      Those who knew her will remember her for her humor, strength, generosity, resilience, stubbornness, and warmth.

      She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Richard Tompkins; daughters, Jody Saunders (Kyle), Kelly Crowley (Brian), and Sarah Boyland (Mike); son, Tony Bruno; grandchildren, Angela, Alyssa, Mike, Owen, Jack, and Jordon; sisters, Suzanne Killian (Jeff) and Jaqueline Moore; brother, Matt Gordon; brother-in-law, Warren Kaiser; sister-in-laws, Debbie Roninger and Amy Walker (Steve); mother-in-law Jaqueline Tompkins; and many nieces and nephews.

      Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; Joan and Jack Gordon; son, Jack Lewis; sister, Kathleen Kaiser; and father-in-law, Richard A. Tompkins. Joanne will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her family will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude and her influence will remain with those whose lives she touched.

      The family’s plans for a memorial gathering are pending at this time. Please share expressions of sympathy with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

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