Dr. Alicia Thompson Aldridge, age 64, of Blowing Rock, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 2^nd, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  A native of Troy, AL she was a daughter of Inez Chapman Thompson of Troy, AL and the late Asa Thompson.   She was also preceded in death by a brother, Sonny Thompson who passed away in 1999 and 3 golden retrievers: Dillon, Maverick and Jessie.

She was the first female to receive a PhD from the University of Colorado College of Business in Boulder, CO.   She was a professor for over 37 years beginning in Ft. Collins, CO at Colorado State University, then James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA then the last 20 years at Appalachian State University in Boone.  Alicia wrote publications for many professional academic journals and presented papers at conferences around the world.  Her passions included cycling for many years and hiking with her golden retrievers.  She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Bolivia, NC and loved both the beach and the mountains.

Surviving is her mother, Inez Chapman Thompson of Troy, AL; loving husband, Garry Aldridge; uncle, Richard Chapman and wife, Shirley, of Brundridge, AL; her golden retrievers: Josey and Crystal; step-sons: Devon Carl Aldridge and wife, Andrea, of Kings Mtn. and Darin Aldridge and wife, Brooke, of Cherryville; two step-grandchildren: Abby and Aaron.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 6^th in First Baptist Crossnore.  Rev. Dennis Aldridge will officiate.  Music will be under the directions of her step-son, Darin and his wife, Brooke.  The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.  An additional service will be held at a later date in Troy, AL and will be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 1150 Crossroads Trail SE, Bolivia, NC 28422.  To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.