Colonel Lucretia G. Heard-Thompson, Ret.

Colonel Lucretia G. Heard-Thompson, Ret., 55, of Chatham, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Saturday, June 4, 2011, after a long illness. She was born January 18, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Allen Heard and Dolarosa E. Melancon. Her mother, Dolarosa; sister, Baulkus Heard-Thompson; uncle, Antanacio Resendez and nephew, Allen A. Thompson preceded her in death. On September 25, 1995, she married Frank Thompson. Surviving are her husband, Frank; son, Elliot S. Thompson; stepchildren Elizabeth Contreras of Rock City and MSG Mark Thompson, USAR, Los Angeles, California; sister, Sharon Heard of Country Club Hills, an uncle, Ahbran P. (Mae) Resendez of Chicago Heights and an aunt, Ann Resendez of Hazel Crest; nieces Dola (Kinley) Thompson-Hill of Chicago and Cynthia Thompson of Chicago; nephew Kenneth Thompson of Monee; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. Colonel Heard-Thompson served 32 years in the Illinois Army National Guard (1976-2009), with 22 of those years being active duty. She attained a Masters Degree in Strategic Planning. Colonel Heard-Thompson was a Senior Human Resource Officer and served as AGR in the Illinois Army National Guard and Reserves. She was a member of Chatham American Legion Post 759. Visitation: 4-7:30PM, Tuesday, June 7 at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. Funeral Service: 11AM, Wednesday, June 8, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, Chatham, with Pastor Gregg Sowards officiating. Burial will follow at 1PM at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Army National Guard Burial Detail and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorials: Memorial Medical Center Foundation, One Memorial Plaza, Springfield, IL, 62781 or Memorial Home Services (hospice), 644 N. Second, Springfield, IL 62702.