Obituary of Nelson Thompson, Jr.

Deacon Nelson Thompson, quietly answered the call of his Master on Friday night, January 15th, 2021. He is now safely in the bosom of his maker. Deacon Thompson was born to the late Nelson and Odessa Thompson in Hemmingway, South Carolina. He was educated by the School District of Neesmith, South Carolina. After completing his education, he moved to the Bronx, New York. There he worked in a printing shop. After years of residing in New York, he went back to South Carolina and there he married his high school sweetheart, Florine Scott on July 6, 1963. After laying claim to the love of his life, who he affectionately called, “Sister” they moved to Sharon Hill, Pa. To this union 4 children were born, Dwayne, who preceded him in death, Wanda, Priscilla and Nelcine. After a few years of living in Sharon Hill, Pa his family joined Walter Avenue Baptist Church. One Day while shopping Sister Thompson and Deacon Thompson’s mother ran into Sister Rivers, a member of “The Church on The Hill” in Sharon Hill. Sister Rivers invited them to Church Service, and they stayed all day. After hearing the preached word, Deacon and Sister Thompson were pricked in their hearts. The following weekend they joined the church, attended the services, Bible Teaching and became faithful members under the leadership of Bishop A.B. Johnson. Not many days hence Deacon Thompson was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of his sins. Shortly after being baptized he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. While working out his soul salvation Nelson began serving and studying for the office of Deacon under the tutelage of Deacon Robert G. Johnson, Sr. He continued to be faithful to God and the ministry in Sharon Hill. In due time he was ordained to the office of Deacon by Bishop R.F. Davis, Sr in Marion, South Carolina. At the same time Deacon Robert G. Johnson was ordained Elder. Deacon Thompson continued to serve the Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc. and remained dedicated to his local church until death. Deacon Thompson while serving the Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc. moved his family to South Carolina where he worshipped under the late Founder Bishop R.F. Davis, Sr. During his time in Marion he grew in the faith and continued to grow spiritually among the brethren, understanding the importance of loyalty and serving with a servant’s heart. He soon became a dependable Armor Bearer to the late Bishop R.F. Davis, Sr. While in Marion Deacon Thompson worked at a Machinery Factory until he was led to start his own business, Thompson Janitorial Service. In 1985 the family relocated to Atco, NJ and resumed their membership at Highway Church of Christ in Sharon Hill under the Pastorship of Pastor Edna D. Johnson. He continued to develop spiritually and was a champion at gaining the financial support of the church for various projects that needed to be handled in the Household of Faith. As God continued to elevate Deacon Thompson in the Faith. He remained diligent and committed to the things of God and Pastor Edna D. Johnson along with Elder Robert G. Johnson, Sr felt it was time for the next step. He had both the will and ability to help with the growth of Finances, so they recommended that he join the Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc National Finance Department. As he continued to learn and grow he assisted Bishop Robert G. Johnson Sr, the National Financial Secretary with the finances and became the National Treasurer. Shortly after moving back to New Jersey Deacon Thompson began working for the Barrington Board of Education as the Custodian Supervisor where he worked for over 23 years until retiring in December of 2016. Deacon Thompson was so loved by the children until they would make him cards and ask if he could be their chaperone for field trips. After the death of Pastor Edna D. Johnson Deacon Nelson Thompson and his family became members of Brighter Day GHCOC, Inc. under the Pastorship of National Mother Rosie M Williams. Pastor Rosie and Deacon Herbert Williams, Sr. were not just spiritual parents, they were Deacon Thompson’s friends. At Brighter Day he continued to be a Deacon of integrity as he served as Pastor’s Aide President, Deacon Board member, handled finances, assisted the Sunday School Superintendent, sang on the Men’s Choir and helped with the renovation of the church after they purchased the building. Yes, he was faithful until death. Deacon Thompson’s dedication and support of The Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc. never faltered, and God continued to exalt him. He was appointed Head of The Finance Committee, Advisor of the National Sunday School and Youth Convention, Ordination Committee and Executive Board Member Deacon Nelson Thompson was an awesome father who knew how to balance church, family, work (Sometimes working two jobs) and time with his sweetheart, Florine. He loved and cared for all of his children, never showing partiality, or distain for life’s mistakes that are made. He always embraced them with love, respect and gave them wise counsel while being the constant provider and friend. He taught his children to be honest, loyal and gave instructions on how to make it in this world. He was their hero that was always there, even as adults. He was a little man with a big heart, who would give you his last. He and his beautiful wife, opened the doors of their home to helped many get on their feet and lent a helping hand to the single mother’s in the church who were struggling to raise their children. As a father-in-love he was the epitome of an honest, hard working man that taught his sons-in-law by example how to be men of character and provide for their families. He was their greatest cheerleader and when Elder Carl went to school to become a lawyer he would joke with him and say, “I will get my lawyer son to get the answers.” They never met a man like him in all their lives and their going to miss “Pops.” It’s the little things that matter that will be missed, like Valentine’s Day gifts, or hearing him affectionately call, "Cinie!"; seeing him bring fruit from the Berlin Auction or sipping on iced tea and eating donuts from Dunkin Donuts; the laughter with the family around the table. We’ll miss the Family Vacations that we’ve known since we were children. Kay Kay wants to know who will bring her some chicken nuggets. Lai Lai will no longer have to stand on the squares in the floor to calm down. TJ will no longer be called DJ as Pop Pop affectionately called him. He leaves to cherish fond memories his childhood sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Florine Thompson; Three children, Wanda Pressley, Priscilla {Carl Shawn} Watkins, and Nelcine Thompson: A special son-in-law, Kenny Pressley; six grandchildren, Brian, Krissy, Dwayne Jr., Kiana, Taylor and Kameron; Three great-grandchildren, Junious, Kayliana and Leila; Two sisters, Mary Lee {Carol} of Florence, SC, Cynthia Pressley of Hemmingway, SC, Two brothers, Arthur {Susie} Thompson of Atco, NJ, Richard {Gloria} Thompson of Marion, SC.; One brother who preceded him in death, Charles, aka June Thompson who died serving his country in the Vietnam war; Three God-children, Na'Tisha Jackson, Byron Davis, and Herbert Williams, Jr. who preceded him in death; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He leaves a Pastor and her husband, National Mother Rosie M. Williams and Deacon Herbert Williams who were also close friends, along with his church family Brighter Day GHCOC, Inc. that he loved and served without reservation to morn his transition. There is also the Organization that he dedicated his life to, The Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc. Bishop and Lady Haines, I fought a good fight, I kept the Faith. The void felt by all who knew this Deacon’s Deacon cannot be filled. “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” Daniel 6