Beth Braford Thompson, 89, of Lexington, died July 10, 2023, at Kendal at Lexington.

Born March 2, 1934, she was the daughter of Lloyd D. Braford Sr. and Louise Ruff Braford.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph B. Thompson; sisters, Moreland Claytor, Mary Martha Lichtenberg and Barbara Hall; and brothers, Buck Braford, Hugh Stark Braford, Edgar Braford, Richard Braford, Robert Braford and Lloyd Braford Jr.

She is survived by her stepson, Ross Thompson, and his wife, Betty; sisters-in-law, Peg Braford and Nancy Braford; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she nurtured over many years.

Beth was the youngest of 10 children and shared many stories of growing up on the family farm in Natural Bridge. One story she told often was of helping her dad grow crops of green beans during World War II. The beans were hauled from the field, laid out on the front lawn to dry, taken to Lynchburg, and shipped where needed for the soldiers. During that time four of her brothers and two of her sisters were serving in the military, five of them overseas.

Beth graduated from Montreat College in North Carolina, where she majored in Christian education, and served churches in Hazard, Ky., Blacksburg, and Newport News. She loved books and while teaching school in Jacksonville, Fla., she formed plans to own and operate a bookstore. Lexington was the lucky city in which she chose to settle and in 1975, The Best Seller bookstore opened for business.

She was a quiet and dedicated community leader. Beth was an active member of Lexington Presbyterian Church. She worked tirelessly as part of a group who brought Kendal to Lexington.

Beth loved her family, which included her dogs and cats. Throughout her life she pursued many interests, including travel, her geodesic dome home, gardening, and social causes. For those fortunate enough to spend time with Beth, they found her to be a role model of joy and fascination with the world.

The family would like to thank the staff at Kendal for their care and kindness to Beth.

If you would like to make a donation to honor Beth, please consider the Staff Appreciation Fund at Kendal at Lexington and Connections Plus (Rockbridge Area Hospice).

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. N-G