Golda E Thompson

Golda E. Thompson of Sarasota, passed away on December 12, 2021, at the age of 89 years. A proud New Yorker, and even prouder Brooklynite, she was born July 31, 1932, to the late Mr. Jetter and Annie Simmons.

Treasured by her friends and family for her compassion, elegance, generosity, and sophistication, Golda had a dry sense of humor and was a particularly gracious host. Adventurous in spirit, she was an art lover and avid traveler, always planning trips abroad or visits to family and friends around the country.

Golda was particularly proud of her professional accomplishments working for the New York Telephone Company (now Verizon), and becoming one of the first African American women to reach upper management before retiring after a long and distinguished career. In her retirement, she was able to share her considerable talents by becoming a teacher in the NYC Public School System, impacting and inspiring the next generation.

Golda was predeceased by her brother, Leonard Simmons, her first husband, Leonard Jackson, cherished daughter Valerie Jackson, and the love of her life, second husband, Probyn Thompson, Jr. She is survived by her adoring step-children, Probyn (Latonja) Thompson, III, Mary (Jason) Hunt, and Patricia (Steve) Sigmon; treasured cousins, Malkia (Christopher) Rayner, Niya Rayner, Aliana Rayner, and Walter Rayner, II; granddaughters, Jessica (Doug) Melton and Gina Thompson; and great grandchildren, Isaac and Vivian Melton. She loved them all.

An indomitable spirit and life force, wait staff will miss her strict instructions on how to make the "perfect" martini (Absolute, dry, ice on the side and lemon twist). Family will miss her timely advice, competence, stories of her youth, and the support system she provided. Friends will simply miss their beloved Golda.

A ceremony for family and friends will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org).