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Obituary For Jessie Thompson
Jessie R. Thompson, fondly known as Momma Jessie, Nana, and Aunt Jessie, 88, was born on September 7, 1935, in Spartanburg, SC, to the late Clarence and Ford Wofford Rowland. At an early age she was baptized at Fosters Chapel Baptist Church, the oldest African American Church in Spartanburg, SC. She attended Fosters Chapel School in Roebuck, SC, and graduated from Spartanburg County Training School in Fairforest, SC.
After graduating from high school, she was employed at W & W Cafeteria. She later married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Thompson, on August 17, 1954. Her early years of employment included, J. C. Bull Clinic as a nurse’s aide and dental assistant. She was also employed at Orthopedic Associates and Abbott Laboratories.
Jessie attended Rutledge College where she graduated with honors and received her degree as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After obtaining her degree, she was employed at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Jessie retired from the Hospital and later became a caretaker for Mrs. Roger Milliken until her death. Then later she was employed by Mr. Milliken, as his personal medical assistant and caretaker. This was her last position until permanent retirement.
Jessie was a faithful member of New Day Baptist Church for many years and one of the oldest members. She sang in the J L H Choir, a member of the Missionary Society, and Pastor’s Aides. She also assisted with the monthly Communion services, baptismals and prepared meals for Vacation Bible School. It was a regular scene to see her practicing her gardening skills at the Church’s entrance and providing flowers for the altar. She was also instrumental in gaining funds to equip the church kitchen, which is named after Roger Milliken’s wife.
She enjoyed travelling to Aruba and Hawaii and going on cruises to the Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Jessie was a member of the Tamin Court #122 D.O.I. for many years. It was during the various meetings throughout the country where she met and made many friends. Her most precious times were spent in her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed posting inspirational and spiritual sayings on Facebook (Meta) and thoroughly loved listening to and singing “Black Church Gospel Music”.
Jessie was preceded in death by: her husband of 69 years, Joseph Thompson; and siblings, Katy Rowland, Genevieve Cothran, Clarence Rowland, Jr., James Rowland and Willie Rowland.
Left to cherish fond and loving memories: one daughter, Veronica Thompson (Young); son-in-law, Ernest Young of Hockessin, DE; her grandson, Ej Young and his partner, Timothy Jones of Charlotte, NC; siblings, Lydia Jenkins of Cleveland Heights, OH, Geraldine Jones and Rita Rowland of Spartanburg, SC, Sarah Anderson of Somerset, NJ; cherished brother-in-law, Willie Thompson; sisters-in-law, Alice Rowland, Mary Rowland, Josephine Means, Christine Wilkins, and Emma Finger, all of Spartanburg, SC; and a host of nieces, and nephews.
Daughters of Isis Rites will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.
A Celebration of the Life of Jessie Rowland Thompson will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at New Day Baptist Church, 2090 S Church St. Ext., Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, 3901 S. Church St. Ext., Roebuck, SC.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to: Regional Hospice Home, P.O. Box 2624, Spartanburg, SC 29304.
J. W. Woodward
Funeral Home
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Maxine Freeman sent Red and White Handled Basket for Jessie Thompson - March 27, 2024
From Maxine Campbell Freeman
Dearest Family, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Sadly enough, the most painful goodbyes are the ones that are left unsaid and never explained. We will all pass through this stage in life, when it's your turn don't let the storm sweep you away. Life has taught us to be thankful for our trials; to be grateful for our pain; to embrace our tears; and to laugh at our sorrow. Life taught us to appreciate nature; to pray more often; to show love to our families and to treasure our lives and that praying is a path to the Living; Endings lead to new beginnings and goodbyes lead to new hellos; that in death, there is life. Jesse will forever be in our hearts. We rejoice in knowing that she is in her Heavenly Home. Please accept our prayers and love during this sorrowful time in all of our lives. The Jenkins, Jones & Holden Families of Cleveland Ohio
Sister Rita!! I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear sister. I met her some years ago at Majority Baptist Church, she had such a Sweet Sweet Spirit!! With a Servants Heart!!It's my prayer that God will give you comfort strength and Peace through out the days, weeks, months and years to come
Rev. Detra Ferguson Williams
To the Rowland/Thompson Family: Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We pray that God will anoint you with strength and courage as you journey through your grief. We know God's Grace and Mercy will enable you to do all things even to be joyful during this difficult time. Cousins Noble Tony & Jacqueline Stewart-Jacksonville, Florida (formerly of Jonesville, SC).
Veronica and family, I send my sincere condolences and prayers
Cortillia Means Benson
Family, you have our sincerest condolences. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. May God keep you in his care during this time of sorrow. God Bless, Cousins, Nettie, Barbara, Robert and Nathan.
Veronica and Family, I sent a message about your Mother being a gem in the neighborhood and me spending time with her one day while she was working on her beautiful flowers, also corresponding with her on Facebook, forgot to put me and my family names.Ask that God give each of you strength at this time and the days to follow.RIP Mrs Thompson ♥️🙏🏾🌹. Barbara Evans and Family
Veronica and Family, you have my deepest condolences.Your mother was a sweet and wonderful lady.Our neighbor have lost a gem.Will miss her inspiration on Facebook,we were friends.Stopped by one day while she was working on her beautiful flowers,had a wonderful talk.She will truly be missed.Take your rest Mrs Thompson.Ask that God give each of you strength now and forever ♥️🙏🏾.RIP
Rita, saddened by the passing of Mrs Jessie. My prayers and sympathy are extended to you, your sisters and Veronica and the entire family. Praying God's comfort to you all. Gloria Meadows
My sweet Auntie, I will miss everything about you. Sitting and sharing our conversation or watching you grow your beautiful flowers. I have flowers that I have grown because of you and as I watch them grow I will think of you. Thanks for everything you ever done for me. Rest in Heaven ❤️.
Your other Daughter Brenda
Take your rest, You have done your part.from planting your beautiful flowers in your yard to taking care of the yard at New Day. No matter what you were doing you always Gave it your Best . You were the super glue that held things together, the energizing bunny that kept going and going. You will be missed, there isn't any one that can fill your place in anyway. You have earned your Wings, golden slipper and crown. And now you can Walk Around Heaven all day . without any pain .love you to the moon and beyond Rita
Dear Mrs. Timmigo, Just wanted to share how much I admired your relationship with your Mother. She was always pretty and a ray of sunshine! May you always cherish those loveable moments. ❤️ With Deepest Sympathy, Fowler Family
To the family of Mrs Jessie, I loved this classy lady right here💖. I loved talking to her at church she was inspiring and encouraging,she loved the Lord her family and church family. I loved to see you come through the doors of New Day smiling and dressed with excellence. Take your rest my sweet friend. Rev Lula Cohen Brown
Condolences and prayers 🙏🙏 to the Thompson and Rowland families in their loss of a live one. Ms Jessie was kind and sweet person. She will be missed by her family and friends. The Woodruff, Vernon and Austin families
Family,you have my Deepest Sympathy for your loss. There are no words that can fill the emptiness and sorrow you are experiencing at this time. May God keep you and your family in his care during this time.
Cuz, Barbara Robinson & Family
Prayers of Peace and Comfort for the family! May God give you all Strength through it all! ❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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