Ms. Mary L Thompson

July 30, 1929 ~ January 24, 2025
Born in:
Coatopa, AL
Resided in:
Milwaukee, WI
Mary lived a long and fulfilling life marked by hard work, love and dedication to her family.
Mary moved from Alabama to Wisconsin in 1965. She was an accomplished entrepreneur and seamstress. She also worked for Gimbel’s Department store until her retirement. Her talent and creativity were evident in everything she touched, and she took great pride in her work. Beyond her career, she continued to enjoy sewing, music, and reading the Bible. Mary’s family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments.
Mary had one dear close friend Rosetta Martin who recently passed away three weeks prior.
She was predeceased by her parents, Frank Edward and Lucy Bell Thompson, brothers Rufus, Walter, Frank, John Henry, Willie, and Albert. Sisters Phoebe Jane and Berniece Kennedy.
Mary was the beloved mother of Georgia L. Perkins (Thompson) and she cherished her grandchildren Ethel and Leroy Perkins.
Family members Brenda Kennedy (niece), Sheila Kennedy (niece), Carnie Kennedy (nephew), Melvin Kennedy (nephew), Tyrone Kennedy (nephew), Bruce Kennedy (nephew) Annie Kate Harvey (niece), and Charles and Berniece Amos.
Mary will be remembered as a strong, independent woman who kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She lovingly helped and supported her family. Her warmth and generosity created a legacy of love that will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Born to eternal life on January 24, 2025 at the age of 95 years. Combined Services, Thursday, February 6, 2025; Visitation: 12-1 PM Funeral: 1 PM at Paradise Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services located 7625 W. Appleton Ave.
Interment: Glen Oaks
All Services Trusted to:
Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services
7625 W. Appleton Avenue
Services
Visitation: February 6, 2025 12:00 pm
Paradise Memorial Funeral Home
7625 W. Appleton Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53222
414461-8000
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2025-02-06 12:00:00
2025-02-06 12:00:00
MaryLThompsonVisitation
Visitation
7625 W. Appleton Ave.,Milwaukee, WI 53222
Celebration of Life: February 6, 2025 1:00 pm
Paradise Memorial Funeral Home
7625 W. Appleton Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53222
414461-8000
Add to My Calendar
America/Chicago
2025-02-06 13:00:00
2025-02-06 13:00:00
MaryLThompsonCelebration of Life
Celebration of Life
7625 W. Appleton Ave.,Milwaukee, WI 53222
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America/Chicago
2025-02-06 14:30:00
2025-02-06 14:30:00
MaryLThompsonCemetery
Cemetery
4530 N. Green Bay Ave.,Milwaukee, WI 53209
Love always
Tracey Sims and family.
The Wright, Thompson, Jones, Goodlow, Jenkins, and Mitchell
Family.
There are so many memories of Mae that I hold dear. I remember her working at Gimbels, always in that headscarf and white uniform. She had this steady, comforting presence. She’d come to stay with us, or we’d go stay with her, and no matter what, she always had Tootsie Rolls and caramel popcorn waiting for us.
Mae had an incredible sense of humor. I’ll never forget the times she’d take off her wig and start making up silly songs, calling us her “Three Little Turkeys.” And then there was the time she had a friend and co-worker named Hazel who loved to tease her. One day, Pudding and I bought Pop Rocks to give to Mae to pass along to Hazel. Mae just laughed and said, “Hazel screamed when she popped those in her mouth! What are these things your grandkids gave me?” It was the perfect little revenge for Hazel teasing our Grandma.
We used to take weekend trips to Southgate Mall, where Mae would stock up on foot cream at Pill and Puff and Woolworth’s, getting ready for another busy work week. She loved when I made banana pudding, and that’s a memory I’ll always hold onto.
One thing I’ll never forget—Mae would never let us call her “Grandma.” I tried a few times over the years to sneak in a “Grandma” while we were talking, but she was quick to correct me. “Mae,” she’d say, with a sharpness that made us all laugh. I always thought it was funny how she kept us on our toes.
I miss how Mae and her sister Bun (Bernice) were when they got together. Out of all her siblings, she was always closest to Bun. Their bond was something special, and it was clear how much they loved each other. Mae was also crazy about her baby brother Albert. She had such a soft spot for him, and the way she would talk about him always warmed my heart.
With Mae’s passing, it’s hard not to think of all her siblings who’ve already left us—Sis (Phoebe), Bun (Bernice), Willie, Walter, Frank, Rufus, John Henry, and Albert. Mae was the last one, and it feels so strange to think of her being gone. I miss them all dearly.
I wasn’t around in her final years, but I think about her often. I miss her—her laughter, the little moments, and the love she gave so freely. But I know that when Jehovah calls, He’ll wake her up from sleep, just like it says in Isaiah 33:24: “No resident will say, ‘I am sick.’” I take comfort knowing she, and hopefully, all her siblings and her parents, Lu and Poppa, will come back to a time when death is no more. We’ll never have to say goodbye again.
Though Mae may be gone, she’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Love you forever, Mae. Rest in peace, and I’ll see you again soon.
Pomp❤️