KINGSPORT — Mrs. Marie S. Thompson, 88, went home to be with the Lord on May 4, 2014, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She was born in Exeter, Va, Dec. 25, 1925 to the late Willie and Mary Steele.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred J. Thompson; a son, Joseph B. Thompson; and a sister, Annie May Sumpter. Mrs. Thompson moved to Kingsport from Virginia in the late 50’s.
Affectionately called “MomBrie” by all who loved her, Ms. Thompson was a pillar in the community and a mother to many. She never met a stranger and always welcomed others into her home. In the natural, Ms. Thompson was a homemaker, in addition to raising her own five children, she also raised three sisters and eight of her grandchildren in the home. Not only was she a career homemaker, she also worked several years as an insurance agent for Universal Life Insurance Company and sold AVON as a sales representative.
Ms. Thompson was a born-again Christian and true woman of God who let her light shine for all to see. And even though Alzheimer’s disease had impacted her mind and memory, she still knew how to call on the name of Jesus and sing praises to His name. A long-time member of Central Baptist Church, she served in several capacities until her health began to decline.
Ms. Thompson was the co-founder of Manna Meals (a feeding program that serves meals to the Kingsport community). She served over 34 years as Sunday School Superintendent and served as a Deacon’s wife, assisting the Pastor with various responsibilities within the church. Ms. Thompson taught Sunday school, Bible study and worked with Vacation Bible school.
Ms. Thompson was instrumental in the implementation of the Cottage Prayer Ministry, a prayer circle of community women that conducted prayer meeting in the homes of the sick and shut-in. One of the longest running ministries of the church, Cottage Prayer was most dear to Ms. Thompson’s heart.
On a district level, Ms. Thompson served the Bethel District Association as secretary for over 20 years, traveling all across the Tri-Cities and sur- roundings areas as duty called. She was a charter member of the Kingsport chapter of AGLOW Women’s Ministry, a non-denominational fellowship of women.
Ms. Thompson loved her church and community. During her vibrant days, this love was portrayed in the children and adults she fed and clothed and the godly council she gave to the troubled in heart. Ms. Thompson was never without words of encouragement or motherly advice to all who would listen. Her light shone bright for all to see, as instructed in one of her favorite songs, “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine.”
She leaves to cherish her memories, four children, Rev. James A. Thompson Sr. Detroit, Mich., Jerry A. Thompson, Kingsport, Barbara Sue Thompson, Nashville, Tenn. and Alfreda Kay Thompson, Los Angeles, Calif; three sisters, Donna Loftin (Bobby), Kingsport, Brenda Steele and Mary Steele (Cincinnati, Ohio), 27 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 13 great- great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and a family friend, Ms. Beulah Banner.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at noon from Central Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the hour of service.
Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at thomp son@clarkfc.com
Professional services and care of Mrs. Marie S. Thompson and family are entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service Inc. (423) 245-4971
