News Summary

Lisa McAlister Thompson, a cherished registrar and passionate nature lover, died peacefully at her home. Known for her commitment to education and creativity, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication. Lisa’s family has expressed gratitude for the support received during her illness and has announced that a memorial service will be held to honor her life and contributions.

Clinton, South Carolina – Lisa McAlister Thompson, a beloved registrar and devoted nature enthusiast, passed away peacefully at her home on June 30, 2025, at the age of 65. She is remembered for her unwavering commitment to education and her passion for the great outdoors.

Lisa, the wife of Rev. Gregory W. Thompson, was born on February 25, 1960, in Laurens, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Alva Sanford McAlister and Lila Bernice Casey McAlister. With more than two decades of experience, Lisa retired recently from her role as a registrar, having worked at several universities, including Presbyterian College.

Throughout her life, Lisa developed a deep love for nature. She particularly enjoyed walking through winter woods and visiting the beach. In addition to her passion for the outdoors, Lisa had a notable affection for animals, especially cats. Her love for storytelling was evident in her work as a writer; she authored numerous short stories and articles, leaving behind a legacy of creativity.

Lisa is survived by her husband of 38 years, Rev. Gregory W. Thompson; her sister, Angela McAlister “Angie” Dillon (Emory) of Clinton; and her sister-in-law, Melanie T. Geller (Ross) of Greensboro, NC. In addition, she is survived by her nephew, Stephen Dillon (Sally), and her niece, Donet Dillon Morf (JT), all from Clinton. Lisa also leaves behind a great-niece, Lila Morf, and great-nephews, Dillon Morf and Luke Dillon.

The family has expressed their gratitude to VIA Health Partners for the care and support they provided during Lisa’s illness. A memorial service to honor Lisa’s life and contributions will be announced soon at Providence ARP Church, where family and friends can gather to pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Lisa’s memory be made to VIA Health Partners, located at P O Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325. This gesture allows her legacy of caring and service to continue beyond her passing. Condolences can be shared with the family through www.grayfuneralhome.com, where further information about arrangements can also be found.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Thompson family during this difficult time. The loss of Lisa McAlister Thompson will be deeply felt by all who knew her, as she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for nature.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Golaurens: Lisa McAlister Thompson Obituary
• Legacy: Larry Rose Obituary
• Legacy: Kelly Huskey Obituary
• Henderson News: HISD OKs Teacher Contracts
• Legacy: Marjorie Childers Obituary
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• Google Search: Memorial Services Clinton South Carolina
• Google Scholar: Obituary Writing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
• Google News: Obituaries

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.