Delores Louise Thompson

Delores Louise Jones Thompson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, surrounded by loved ones at her home in Decatur, Georgia after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Delores, known to many as “Pinky,” was born December 6, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia to the late Marvin Sylvester Jones, Sr. and Christine Pleasants Jones. She was part of the Class of 1961 at Maggie L. Walker High School and attended Virginia Union University. She married after leaving university and welcomed a son and daughter who were the most important part of her life.

A career in the medical field began when she was hired as an electron microscopist at The Medical College of Virginia by Dr. David M. Hume, who was part of the team that performed the first successful kidney transplant. When she moved to Washington, DC she continued working in a medical laboratory as a histopathology technician at Howard University Hospital.

Delores was a committed Christian who possessed a kind heart, listening ear and a desire to nurture others. Her home became a place of refuge to many, especially youth who dealt with challenging situations. While continuing her career at the hospital, she started a non-profit organization, Teen Help, to address issues of at-risk youth. When she later moved to California, she made a career change to champion the needs of disenfranchised young people who attended a San Diego alternative high school. She retired in Atlanta, Georgia where she became a member of Peace Baptist Church.

Delores is survived by her son Donald Garry Thompson (Michelle) and daughter Juanita Grace Thompson-Evans (Ian). She also leaves to cherish her memory nine grandchildren: Randi Nichole Thompson, Gerri Jenai Thompson, Donni LaShawn Thompson, Robbi Lynne Thompson, Ladina Christine Thompson, LaTorya Delores Thompson, LaShae Dayona Thompson, Khamisi (Khori) Blackman, Khalil Blackman; and twelve great-grandchildren. In addition she leaves a brother Marvin S. Jones, Jr of Wilmington, NC, sister Christine Tonkin (Murray) of Toronto, Canada, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including her cherished friend and confidant, Bernice Travers of Richmond, Virginia.

No one who met Delores forgot her humor. That never diminished as her health declined, often surprising and uplifting those around her, including her hospice caregivers. And she didn’t shy away from insisting her hair and attire reflect her “Diva” flare to the very end.

The celebration of Delores Thompson’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 26, 2018, in the chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA. Viewing will be Sunday from 9 am - 8 pm, and Monday from 9:00 am until the start of service.