Jessie Mae Violetta (Brice) Thompson

On February 6, 2024, at the age of 85, Jessie Mae Violetta (Brice) Thompson received her wings. Born in Topeka, Kansas on October 10, 1938, to Clayton Franklin Brice and Josephine Anna (King) Brice, Jessie was a force to be reckoned with.

Always dressed to the nines, Jessie's "Hi, baby," greeted friends, family, and strangers alike. She was a social butterfly and could even be called a "DIVA," so distinct was her style. She was passionate in everything she did, from cheering for her beloved KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs to her lifelong membership at St. Johns AME Church in Topeka where she served as a stewardess and her membership in her Arizona church home at Spirit of Life Christian Center. She was also a member of the Topeka Back Home Reunion.

Jessie graduated with the Class of 1956 at Topeka High School and attended the University of Kansas.

Prior to retirement, she worked at many jobs that allowed her affect people's lives and mentor young people, including Kansas State Hospital, Topeka Parks and Recreation at both the Pineridge and Eastlawn facilities, CETA and Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI). Above all, her passion was supporting opportunities and equality for African Americans especially disadvantaged youth. Attesting to that dedication, she was recognized by the Living the Dream organization for Enhancement of Contribution in the Black Community and the Topeka Mayor's Office with the Enhancement of The Community Award.

Continuing her commitment to community, Jessie served on the Civil Service Firefighters Board for five years.

In 2017, Jessie followed many family members who had moved to Arizona and settled in Queen Creek.

Jessie is sincerely mourned and will be deeply missed by a large and loving family: daughter Rochelle Renee Henderson, son-in-law Kevin Henderson, grandson Cameron Henderson: godson Christopher Benton; brothers Clayton Brice (Lee), Eduardo Bryce (Brenda), Arnett Brice (Margaret) and sister Denise Brice-Walker; 22 nieces and nephews, many great and great-great nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

Preceding Jessie in death were her parents, brothers Jacques Brice and Arthur Brice and sister Laverne Gordon.

Jessie fought a courageous battle before her large and loving heart gave out. Memorial services will be held in Arizona and Topeka