Josefa Thompson

Josefa, known to her family and friends as Maria, was born on August 22, 1931, in Panama City, Panama to Gustave and Lucia Bernard Rawlins, where she was the eleventh of fourteen children. As a young woman, she immigrated to the United States in 1957 where she first went to work for B & B Catering as a cook. Her ability to cook a vast range of food enabled her to become the master chef at Meridian House International where she worked for 30 years until her retirement. Cooking was such an integral part of her life, preparing meals for family gatherings (Thanksgivings, Christmas, Easter, Birthdays) or for neighborhood cookouts, gave her great joy.

Maria met Rudolph N. Thompson in 1959 in Washington D.C. and they married in the spring of 1967. Of that union they had a son, Karl E. Thompson, and a daughter, Delia M. Scott.

Maria moved to San Antonio, Texas to be near her grandchildren in 2002. She loved being able to enjoy the milestones of each of her grandchildren, from school plays, sporting events, grandparents’ day, and graduations. Maria also volunteered as a server for Meals on Wheels and contributed to numerous charities.

Maria passed on December 23, 2023 at 92 years of age and is survived by her sister, Elvera ; her brother, Edwardo; children, Delia Maria (Andre) Scott and Karl Ernesto (Devethia) Thompson; her grandchildren, David A. (Kristy) Thompson, Staniscia L. Scott, Michael A. Thompson, Jonathan A. (Ashley) Thompson, Andre A. Scott (Shelby), Jacqueline "Jamir" Thompson, Brittney L. Scott, and Isaiah A. Thompson; and her great-grandchildren, Skyla M. Edwards, Savannah M. Edwards, and Blaire O. Thompson. She is preceded in death by her parents, twelve of her siblings, and her husband Rudolph N. Thompson.

VISITATIONMONDAY, JANUARY 8, 20246:00 PM – 8:00 PMPORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

CELEBRATION OF LIFETUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 202411:00 AMPORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

To view the service of Mrs. Thompson please click here