Obituary of Alma Beatrice Thompson

Alma Beatrice Blake Thompson was born on January 1, 1926 to the late sharecroppers James Blake and Nora Blake in Chester, SC; the second of six children. Upon fulfilling her purpose on Earth, her "mansion was ready" and she moved to her heavenly home on November 2, 2012. Alma matriculated through the Chester public school system and graduated from Finley High School in 1944. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Black Rock Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Pearl in Chester, SC. Upon completion of her formal school education she relocated to Philadelphia in search of employment. She began employment in the textile industry and retired from Botany 500 as a seamstress. Alma joined Resurrection Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John J. Jenkins. It was at Resurrection Baptist Church that she met her life's love, Willie D. Thompson. They wed on December 6, 1947 and to this union were born two children. Throughout the years she worked faithfully at Resurrection Baptist Church as a Deaconess and on the Senior Choir. She remained faithful to Resurrection after relocating to Sicklerville, NJ in 1976; her work noticeably recognized by the many awards and plaques from various church auxiliaries. While riding past a little white church being constructed in Sicklerville, Alma made a vow to the Lord that when the church was completed she would join regardless of denomination. In 1987, she joined C.C.U. Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Robert F. Hargrove, becoming one of its earliest members, a story she often recanted throughout the years. She continued her service to the Lord and His house working diligently as a Deaconess, a Senior Usher, Kitchen Committee member and a Missionary, regularly visiting and ministering at the nursing home. Alma was a meticulous homemaker and was revered by her family for her delicious meals and desserts. She kept an impeccable home where everything had its place. She was a woman of class, style and grace. As she gracefully aged she often described herself as "old and old-fashioned" as she held herself and those around her to traditional and Biblical standards. She was truly a living display of the Proverbs 31 woman. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:28 She leaves to continue her legacy: two children, Min. Willie Thompson, Jr (Belinda) of Greensboro, NC, Jacqueline Omowale (Manu) of Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Monesha Thompson of Greensboro, NC, Tamika Bain (Kenneth) of High Point, NC, Sean Thompson of Greensboro, NC, and Ifetayo Omowale-Garey of Philadelphia, PA. One Sister, Mary Gould of Philadelphia, PA, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.