Leroy Thompson

Leroy Thompson was born on March 24, 1945, in Lafayette County, Mississippi to Robert Emmitt Thompson and Ludie Victoria Patton Thompson. He was the second of six children in the family.

Leroy received his formal education from West Springhill School and Central High School where he excelled in his studies. He graduated in 1964 with honors. He then attended Jackson State College where he discovered his love for theatre. He was active in the drama department and performed in many plays on stage throughout his college career. Leroy graduated from Jackson State College in 1968.  He began his teaching career at Central High School and in 1970, after integration, he taught at Oxford High School. He taught English for six (6) years before transitioning into a career at the Mississippi Employment Service. While working at the Mississippi Employment Service, he pursued and received his Master of Education degree from the University of Mississippi in 1980. After 16 years of dutiful service with the Mississippi Employment Service, Leroy decided to embark on a new career. He became the Manager of Best Western Inn in Oxford, MS and continued in hotel management until his retirement.

Leroy accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and united with Clear Creek M.B. Church, where he served as a dedicated and faithful member who truly loved the Lord. He served dutifully in various roles at Clear Creek, including Deacon, Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Business Manager, Treasurer and choir member. But most of all, he loved to teach about the Good News, and he loved to sing about the goodness of God. He always loved to sing, “Peace In The Valley” and “I Am Redeemed”. He also enjoyed helping others and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Never one to be still, Leroy was also active in the community. He served on the boards of Lou Homes and the Lafayette County School Board. He was the first black president of the Mississippi Motel Hotel Association, a member of the Lafayette County Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as a Financial Consultant to many churches in the T.O.M.B. district. Because of his love and commitment to education, he was a willing helper and assistant to C.L.E.A.R. CORE, INC. and Taylor Community Development Club, Inc. 

Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Eulastine Martin, on December 23, 1967, and unto this union, two beautiful, amazing children were born, Gregory O’Neal and Pamela Latrice. They celebrated 56 blessed years of marriage. They demonstrated in their marriage the scriptures they repeated to each other on the wedding day; Ruth 1: 16-17, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”

Leroy leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Eulastine Martin Thompson; two (2) children, Gregory (Tonya) Thompson, Sr, of Clinton, MS and Pamela (HiYon) Cox of New Albany, OH; one Godson, Robert (Linda) Tatum, Sr. of McDonough, GA; seven (7) grandchildren, Kimberly Thompson, Gregory (Victoria) Thompson, Jr., Jasmine (Jar’Quis) Adams, Cynthia Cox, Jonathan Cox, Justin Thompson, and Charles “Alex” Cox; three (3) god-grandchildren, Austin Tatum, Aaron Tatum, and Robert Tatum, Jr.; five (5) great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Ward, Greyson Sims, Kingston Thompson, Aria Thompson, and Gavin Sims; three (3) sisters, Ella Isom of Oxford, MS, Ceola Johnson of Jackson, MS, and Evelyn (Calvin) Harrison of Memphis, TN; two (2) brothers-in-love, Sterling (Myrtis) Martin and Miller Morgan, Sr; four (4) god-daughters, Martha Shaw, Chevette “Shawn” Jones, Christy Isom Jones, and Crystal Robinson Gray; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ludie Thompson and his brothers Norris Thompson and Robert Lloyd Thompson.

Please keep the Thompson family in your prayers