Ms. Velma Jean Thompson

With deep love and gratitude to God, we celebrate the life of our devoted mother, faithful servant, and cherished/a under, Mother Velma Jean Thompson, who was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the age 0f 86. Velma was more than a mother-she was a guiding light, a covering of prayer, and a living reflection of God's love. From the very beginning of her life on August 16, 1939, to the loving union of Frazier Rowsey and Ruby Rowsey in Henderson, Tennessee, she walked with a quiet but unshakable faith that carried her through every joy and every storm. At an early age she was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. Throughout her life she taught us how to love, how to forgive, how to endure, and above all, how to trust God completely. She received her formal education in the City of Henderson, Tennessee school district and later moved to Milwaukee, WI with her family for greater employment opportunities. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong work ethic-s-picking and chopping cotton as a child, then working in housekeeping and later in the manufacturing industry as an adult. In 2003, she retired from Briggs & Stratton after more than 30 years of dedicated service as a skilled piece worker. In March 2006, she relocated to Houston, Texas, where she spent her later years with her daughter, Twonda Thompson, and her grandson, Donovan Thompson. On June 30, 1963, Mother Velma Thompson united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Elder Joseph Thompson at Mount Olive Church, officiated by the late Bishop Lavell Tyler. Consider yourself blessed if you ever had the opportunity to hear her share their love story. Their love was divinely ordained, and even though he passed in 1983, she always spoke of him with deep affection as if he had simply stepped out to the store and would return at any moment. To this beautiful union they co-parented six sons and four daughters: Helean Harley, Antonio Rowsey, Marvin Rowsey, Renard Thompson, Stevie Thompson, Samuel Thompson, Charlotte Thompson, Shunda Thompson, Twonda Thompson and Lael Thompson Sr. In 1976 in response to God's calling, she joined her husband Elder Joseph Thompson and courageously founded Pentecostal Power Church, a ministry that became a spiritual home for many. Through their vision, dedication, and tireless work efforts, the church flourished into a beacon of hope, fellowship, and worship within the community. On March 22, 1981, they purchased the building where Pentecostal Power Church currently resides today. Following the passing of her husband, she graciously stepped aside as First Lady and took on the roll as Mother Thompson to help shepherd in and support the new spiritual leadership. However, her legacy will forever be remembered by her humility, kindness, and a deep commitment to serving others. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, and in the church, she built through faith, love, and obedience to God. In her quieter moments, she found great joy in gardening and planting flowers. She took immense pride in her yard, earning "Yard of the Month" honors three times. Velma was also widely known for her soul food cooking-especially her baked cheese spaghetti and her beloved, much-requested fried apple and peach pies. While living in Milwaukee, on any given Saturday morning you would find her and her sister Ann visiting rummage and estate sales throughout the area. She also enjoyed shopping and traveling with Mother Flowers, Mother Herron, and Mother Island-affectionately known as the "Golden Girls." Velma Thompson peacefully departed this life on Friday, March 27,2026 surrounded by her children and grandchildren as the Lord took her last breath into eternity. She was preceded in death by her parents Frazier and Ruby Rowsey; Husband Joseph Thompson; two siblings: brother Andy Rowsey, sister Bernice Bower; four sons: Stevie Thompson, Renard Thompson, Antonio Rowsey, and Marvin Rowsey; and two daughters: LaShunda Thompson and Charlotte Thompson. She leaves behind to cherish her memory; four brothers, William Rowsey, Mack Rowsey (Lou Anne), Joe Rowsey (Peggy Faye) and Wi tam "Winky" Rowsey, two sisters: Annie Taylor and Alice Cooper (Willie), one sister in-law, Emerlean Rowsey (Andy), two sons: Samuel Thompson, Lael Thompson (Robin) and two daughters: Helean Harley of Milwaukee, WI and Twonda Thompson of Houston, TX, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great -great -grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church members and friends who will continue to honor her memory by living out the faith she so beautifully embodied. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in knowing she has received the promise she held onto so faithfully. We can only imagine the joy as she heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and stepped into eternal rest.

Ms. Velma Jean Thompson

August 16, 1939 - March 27, 2026