Pearly Mae (Wilson) Thompson

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Sister Pearly Mae Wilson Thompson was born on December 3, 1928, in Eunice, Louisiana, to the late Nettie Reeder and the late Rev. Abraham Wilson. Raised in a home of faith, Sister Thompson accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by her father, Rev. Wilson, at Greater True Light Baptist Church in Eunice, Louisiana. Throughout her life, she remained devoted to her Christian faith, later serving faithfully at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Hayward Wiggins and Rev. Dennis Jones. Known lovingly for her “Welcome Speech,”

Sister Thompson was a cherished member of her congregation. Her passion for service shone through her work on the Educational Board, where she dedicated herself to teaching children to read in the after-school tutorial program.

Sister Thompson’s early years were spent between Eunice, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, where she attended elementary school. She continued her education at Charlton Pollard High School in Beaumont, Texas, later returning to Eunice for her senior year. Following high school, she attended Southern Business College and the School of Practical Nursing, and later Texas Southern University, where she earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.

In 1952, Sister Thompson married John Lewis Thompson, and together they built a loving family, welcoming six children: Drencenette, Casterdelra, Judieth, Derrick, John, and Curley.

On October 31, 2024, Sister Pearly Mae Thompson answered the call of her Heavenly Father, departing this life to rest in His care. She is preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, seven brothers, and one son.

A woman of grace and virtue, Sister Thompson leaves a legacy of faith, love, and commitment. She is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend. She is survived by her beloved children: sons Casterdelra Thompson, John Wayne Thompson, and Curley Thompson; daughters Judieth Thompson and Drencenette Edwards; her cousin, Bobbie; her beloved dog, Pico; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, church family, and friends.

A visitation for Pearly will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 8775 Flagship Dr, Houston, TX 77029. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 8775 Flagship Dr, Houston, TX 77029. A committal service will occur Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.