Dorothy Thompson Program Final

Dorothy Thompson was born on December 23, 1943, at Lawrence County Hospital in Monticello, Mississippi. She accepted Christ early in life and joined China Lee Baptist Church, where she began a lifetime of faithful service. A distinguished scholar, Dorothy graduated as Salutatorian of McCullough High School in May 1962. The following month, she entered Alcorn State University. Through rigorous study—three summers and three years—she earned her Bachelor of Science degree Magna Cum Laude in May 1965, finishing in the top two percent of her class. She began her teaching career soon after in Mississippi. On June 6, 1965, Dorothy married the love of her life, Oliver Thompson, and the couple moved to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. There, she continued her calling as an educator in the Abilene Independent School District. In June 1968, Dorothy and Oliver relocated to the Dallas area, where they raised their three daughters—Pamela, Tresia, and Tracy—and built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. Dorothy dedicated 33 years to shaping young minds. She began her career at Rosemont Elementary in Dallas before joining the Grand Prairie Independent School District, where she taught at Dickerson Elementary and Jackson Middle School. Under her leadership, her science students won the school’s science fair three consecutive years—an example of the excellence and curiosity she cultivated in her classroom. Her remarkable dedication to teaching drew widespread recognition. In 1989, she was named Top Black Educator of the Year by the Grand Prairie Chapter of the NAACP and was selected to serve on the Merrill Publishing Advisory Council, affirming her influence on educational standards beyond her own classroom. A year later, the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce honored her as Teacher of the Year, and in 1997 she received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Grand Prairie Independent School District. That same year, the Texas Railroad Commission acknowledged her contributions to education and community service. She was further recognized among Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2002, a reflection of her lasting impact on generations of students.

Dorothy’s commitment to service also extended deeply into her community. She served on the EMS Advisory Board for the City of Grand Prairie beginning in 1991 and was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Texas State Teachers Association, National Science Teachers Association, Science Teachers Association of Texas, Classroom Teachers of Dallas, and the Grand Prairie Classroom Teachers Association. Beyond her professional roles, she devoted time to the American Red Cross, the Jackson Middle School and South Grand Prairie PTAs, and the Chey Annes Parent Club. She was also a proud Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was president of both her Undergraduate and Graduate chapters, exemplifying a lifetime commitment to service and sisterhood. In 1972, Dorothy and Oliver joined St. John Baptist Church, where she became a pillar of ministry for more than five decades. She served as a youth leader, supported youth programs and performances, and was an active member of the Deaconess Ministry, Celestial Choir, and Junior Mission. She also played a leadership role in the church’s building program and offered steadfast support to the pastor. Dorothy’s faithful service was recognized many times by her church family: she was honored as Woman of the Year in 1999, acknowledged for her excellent service as Vice President of the Deaconess Ministry and awarded the Educator Award in 2000, and recognized in 2002 for more than a decade of dedicated ministry service. In 2008, she was named a Legend of Grace, and in 2022 she received the First Administrative Assistant Award from Dr. Denny Davis, reflecting her enduring influence and leadership within the church community. Dorothy was a praying woman—steadfast, gentle, and deeply rooted in her faith. She loved her family with her whole heart and was known for her warm spirit, kind demeanor, and unwavering devotion to others. Her life reflected a beautiful balance of humility, excellence, compassion, and faithfulness. Dorothy is preceded in death by her daughters Pamela Thompson and Tresia Thompson Nwamadi, and her sister Evelyn Bridges. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband Oliver, her beloved daughter Tracy, her cherished grandchildren Kayla, Willow, and Bailey, and her brother Milton Ross, along with countless relatives, friends, students, sorority sisters, and church members whose lives were enriched by her presence.

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 Noon S T . J OHN C HURCH U NLEASAHED 1701 W. Jefferson Street. Grand Prairie, Texas 75051 Dr. Denny D. Davis, Senior Pastor Officiating Clergy: Reverend Steven Littlejohn

Processional & Final Viewing Clergy, Pallbearers and Family Hymn of Comfort Reading of Scriptures

Old Testament | Reverend Glen Thompson New Testament | Minister Charles Anderson Prayer of Peace

Bishop Cleveland Thompson Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church Song of Hope Reading of Church Resolution(s) (All others will be acknowledged.)

St. John Church Unleashed One Community Church

Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church Special Reflections of Remembrance: Deacon Rodney Johnson Trustee Kiamesha McClellan Deaconess Tara Caldwell Sister Emma Sharp Remarks: (2 min. please) Video Tribute Song of Praise Message of Comfort Pastor Dr. Denny D. Davis Closing Prayer Recessional Clergy, Pallbearers, Family, Attendees

I first met Dorothy in the spring of 1962. She was beginning her freshman year at Alcorn A&M College, and she immediately caught my attention. I saw her in the cafeteria and walked over to introduce myself, and that simple moment began a relationship that would last more than sixty years. What made our relationship so remarkable was how naturally we loved one another. Together, we welcomed three beautiful daughters—Pamela, Tresia, and Tracy—and built a family grounded in faith, love, and purpose. Dorothy devoted herself to both our home and her calling as an educator, pouring her heart into teaching our children the rules of life and guiding countless students with patience, structure, and compassion. We raised our family in the church and taught our daughters the meaning of God’s Word and the strength it provides. Dorothy lived her faith boldly and consistently, weaving it into everything she did—at home, in her classroom, and in the community. She cared deeply for young people, especially those she worked with at St. John, and she brought that same spirit of care and concern into our household. She supported me, cared for our children, and created a home filled with warmth, order, and love. Her commitment to excellence as an educator never went unnoticed. She sought every opportunity to grow, joining organizations and pursuing training to strengthen her skills, and the Grand Prairie community honored her dedication when she was named Teacher of the Year. I loved Dorothy for her unwavering dedication, her deep faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her steadfast love for our family. She built a foundation rooted in the Word of God— a foundation that will continue to guide us. I met her in the spring of 1962, and I am forever grateful that God allowed her to live a full and meaningful life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and educator. She left us in the winter of 2025, and she was, without question, the joy of my life. Your Devoted Husband, Oliver

Thank you for being the steady light that guided me throughout my life. You taught me how to walk with grace, how to stand with strength, and how to meet each day with purpose and faith. Your love shaped me in ways I am still discovering, and your quiet wisdom has followed me through every season of my life. I am who I am because of you—your example, your courage, and your unwavering belief in me. You celebrated my victories, comforted me in uncertainty, and reminded me always to carry myself with dignity. I will miss you more than words can express, but I take comfort in knowing your love remains with me. Your voice, your lessons, and your spirit will continue to guide my steps. Thank you, Mama, for everything you poured into me. I will carry your light for the rest of my days. With all my love,

I am so blessed to be loved by you. Your kindness shaped my life in a way I will carry with me forever. You taught me grace and how strength can be steady and quiet. You instilled in me to walk through this world with purpose and compassion. Your hugs always felt like home—safe, warm, and full of love. Your wisdom will continue to guide me and your words will encourage me. Everything you poured into me will continue to grow and shine through our lives. My heart aches immensely knowing you are no longer here with us, I will miss you everyday of my life. I find comfort in the light you left behind. Your love continues to lead, strengthen, and inspire us. We will carry your spirit with us always.

I love you and we will honor you every day. With deepest love,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT There is such great comfort in knowing we are not alone in this hour of seeming loss. That assurance has been made beautifully evident through the many warm and sincere expressions of caring concern. Your personal visits, telephone calls, and thoughtful floral arrangements have brought comfort and strength to our family. We are grateful for every whispered prayer and every kind thought offered on our behalf. Each loving deed makes real the promise of our Savior: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” May God bless each of you richly.

P ALLBEARERS Shawn Thompson Darand Thompson Dunta Thompson Jordan Thompson David Thompson Adrien Thompson Andre Thompson Dunta Thompson Ashley Thompson Elias Thompson David (Lee) Thompson Tyrone Thompson Darnell Thompson Joey Thompson Ethan Thompson H ONORARY P ALLBEARERS Milton Ross James Thompson Conway Thompson Sylvester Thompson Cleveland Thompson Glen Thompson I NTERMENT Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Dallas, Texas

R ECEIVED P ERSONAL C ARE F ROM :

John Beckwith Jr. - CEO & Owner Dallas, Texas |(214) 941-7332 Fort Worth, Texas |(817) 478-9555 Tallulah, Louisiana | (318) 574-6100 www.goldengatefuneralhome.com “Where Service Begins and Never Ends