Barbara Thompson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and teaching certificates in French and History. She taught French for the Oklahoma City Public Schools via educational television, for the Putnam City Schools before-school French Program and for Heritage Hall School as the Middle School French teacher. She was appointed by M. Pierre Lepetit, Consul General of France in 2000 as the Honorary Counsel of France for Oklahoma and helped French citizens living in Oklahoma while representing the government of France at numerous diplomatic functions. In 1995, Barbara was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, the highest honor given by France to military and civilians for outstanding achievements in cultural, scientific, academic and humanitarian endeavors. Appointed by Governor Bellmon and elected to the Oklahoma Historical Society, State Board of Directors since 1990, Barbara is a member of the Executive Committee and, currently, serves as chair of the State Museum of History Committee. She participated in the planning to completion of the recently built Oklahoma History Center. Barbara is married, 52 years, to Judge Ralph G. Thompson, U.S. District Judge, retired. They have three daughters, and eleven grandchildren. Since 1995, Judge Thompson has annually awarded the Thompson Gift of $1,000 to support a needful and deserving mother, child, or worthy cause. Judge Thompson funds this award in honor of his wife, the 1995 National Mother of the Year, for her generosity and loving concern for the mothers and children of this country.
